Diwali is just around the corner and with it comes the use of firecrackers. The massive lights and sound show across the nation which continues till the New Year has long been a subject of controversy for its effect on the environment. For this, there was a plea seeking a full ban on the manufacturing and sale of firecrackers in order to control pollution.
But the Supreme Court in its verdict today – 15 days before Diwali – has refused to enforce a nationwide blanket ban on the sale of firecrackers. Instead, the court has agreed that only “green firecrackers”, less harmful, will be permitted to be sold and allowed within permissible decibel limits and emission norms.
Additionally, the apex court has banned the online sale of firecrackers and temporarily suspended online sites from selling them.
Instead of banning the bursting of crackers altogether, the Supreme Court has imposed strict timing restrictions on Diwali and New Year – it will be 8pm-10pm on Diwali and between 11:45 pm -12:15 am on New Year. Additionally, the court has also directed all states to encourage and explore opportunities for community bursting of crackers in order to curb usage.
