The Supreme Court on Tuesday (November 7) reiterated that its earlier order banning the use of barium and banned chemicals in firecrackers applies across the country, not just to Delhi and its adjoining areas.
The order comes days before Diwali celebrations on November 12.
The clarification came when I heard a plea to the Rajasthan government to comply with the Supreme Court’s order to ban barium drying and minimize air and noise pollution.
“No specific order will be necessary at this time as this court has passed several orders during the hearing of the motions where steps have been indicated to minimize and prevent air and noise pollution. Hence, the said orders will bind every state in the country, including the state of Rajasthan,” Justice AS Bopanna and Justice MM Sundresh said in their order, LiveLaw reports.
“Therefore, we make it clear that the state of Rajasthan will also take note and take all steps to minimize air and noise pollution not only during the festival season but also thereafter,” the bench said.
“Celebrate Diwali but in moderation”
Justice Sundresh said there must be celebrations but not at the expense of the environment.
“Celebrations can be held, but to a certain extent. One can bring happiness to others through celebrations, but not at the expense of the environment,” Justice Sundresh said, according to the Hindu newspaper.
Justice Bopanna observed that adults, not children, tend to go overboard when they burst a lot of crackers without thinking about the pollution and inconvenience they cause.
“Due to the awareness that is spreading in the school, children do not tear the biscuits as much. Adults do it,” Justice Bopanna said, adding that people easily evade the time restrictions imposed for bursting crackers.
“If we put a limit of 10:30 p.m., by 10 p.m. they will take down the entire supply of biscuits. All he can think about is finishing up his supply of cookies,” he noted.
The court reminded the responsibility of the state governments in minimizing air pollution and noise not only during the holidays, but also otherwise.
The Supreme Court had declared the Firecrackers Ordinance binding on all states, including Rajasthan, she reiterated.
