The Supreme Court of India recently addressed the annual challenge of balancing festival traditions with environmental concerns. On November 7 and 8, the court permitted the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, provided they adhere to strict conditions. The bench, led by Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale, emphasized that this decision requires public cooperation and serious enforcement to be effective.
The court established specific windows for green firecrackers: 6 AM to 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM. Furthermore, the court established a 300-meter no-cracker buffer zone around hospitals, schools, and silence zones to protect vulnerable populations. The court noted that a complete ban on firecrackers across Delhi-NCR will return to force starting November 9.
Active stubble burning across Pakistan and Punjab are peaking now on. The meteorological factors are favourable for the smoke plumes to travel across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR and Uttar Pradesh as wind direction is from north west and speed is relatively calm. Northern plains as usual acting up as land-lock geography. As the fires continue to rise and local emissions will keep on adding, The #AQI across the region is expected to deteriorate further in the coming days. We could expect first day of severe AQI within next 3 days. #Smog will intensify in night and morning hours. Brace for impact, Limit outdoor exposure to the extent possible specially for Elderly and Childrens.
The Supreme Court expressed frustration with the ineffectiveness of past directives, stating, "There is no point in passing orders and directions unless you give effect to them on the ground, otherwise, it becomes a mockery." The bench urged authorities to take the issue seriously and involve stakeholders, including celebrities, to promote awareness of the environmental and health impacts. As the court noted, "It concerns every living being," and "Every year we are trying to balance it out but unless there is cooperation from everyone, it can't be done."
Furthermore, the court established a 300-meter no-cracker buffer zone around hospitals, schools, and silence zones to protect vulnerable populations.