'Firecrackers should be banned even during elections and weddings', Supreme Court raises many questions regarding pollution

The Supreme Court on Monday slammed the Delhi government and Delhi Police for not fully implementing the ban on firecrackers on Diwali. It said that it is all a sham. Questioning the linking of the ban on firecrackers with Diwali, the court said why link it with Diwali? No religion promotes pollution. This is a matter of people's health.

Pollution free life is a fundamental right of citizens. The apex court has directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to effectively implement the ban on firecrackers and immediately constitute a special cell in this regard. Along with this, the court asked the Delhi government to consider banning firecrackers throughout the year and inform the court by taking a decision by November 25.

Ban on firecrackers during elections and weddings
The apex court once again clarified that the ban on firecrackers should not be imposed only on Diwali, but also on all occasions like elections and weddings. Along with this, the court has also asked other states of NCR to respond about the ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers. This order was given by a bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Augustine George on Monday during the hearing on the issue of air pollution in Delhi.

On Monday, as per the previous order, the court asked the Delhi government about the order issued regarding the ban on firecrackers on Diwali and the measures taken. Referring to the affidavit, the Delhi government told the court that on October 14, the government had issued an order for a complete ban on firecrackers. The court asked who was responsible for implementing the ban? On this, the Delhi government said that the Delhi Police enforces the ban.

Expressed displeasure at Delhi Police
The court expressed displeasure at the Delhi Police for not properly implementing the complete ban on firecrackers and said that it was all an eyewash. There was a ban on the manufacture, sale, storage and use of firecrackers. Was it fully implemented? Whatever you have seized may be the raw material for firecrackers. The court directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to also stop the online sale of firecrackers.

Question raised on increasing cases of stubble burning during Diwali
The Supreme Court also raised questions on increasing cases of stubble burning during Diwali. The Punjab government was reprimanded for not taking strict action against the guilty officers who did not take action against the farmers who violated the order to burn stubble. Said that instead of prosecuting the guilty officers, show cause notices are being issued. The court has sought an affidavit from Punjab and Haryana on the action taken.

What did the court say to the farmers?

On the other hand, the central government told the court that according to section 15 of the Environment Act, the fine for burning stubble has been increased. The court asked the states to implement it. On Monday, applications were also filed by some farmers and it was said that the government is not providing them machines for stubble, but the court did not hear them. Said that you people are burning stubble. Why did you not say this for three years? How can you cause pollution?

Asked Delhi Government, how is the waste being disposed of

Despite the lack of proper management for solid waste disposal, the Supreme Court asked the Delhi Government a question. It said that you are saying that the waste has been removed. But where did you take it after removing it? How is it being disposed of? How is the spontaneous fire and pollution caused by it being controlled? The bench said that all this is happening because Rule 2016 regarding solid waste disposal is not being implemented properly. The court directed the Delhi Government to hold a meeting with the MCD and all stakeholders regarding the management of solid waste. Apart from this, it has also sought answers from the neighboring states of NCR on the implementation of Rule 2016. The court said that when this is the situation in Delhi, it can be understood what will happen in other states. The bench said that if this is not done in a timely manner, the court will give strict orders.