Firecrackers burst openly on Nagpur streets during Diwali despite High Court directions, alleged

The Bombay High Court had issued strict directions to keep air and noise pollution in check in Nagpur during Diwali. It is alleged that these directions were widely ignored on the ground in the city.

The High Court's order was clear that firecrackers would not be burst in public places and on roads. The order also said that the police of the area concerned would be held responsible for any violation.

During the festival days, the picture in the city was the exact opposite. People were seen bursting firecrackers on roads, at intersections and in public places without hesitation, while the administration silently looked on.

Under the rules, firecrackers producing noise above 55 decibels and conventional strings of crackers causing very high pollution were completely banned. Only eco-friendly strings of crackers were permitted for sale. Despite this, shopkeepers openly sold polluting, high-decibel strings of crackers.

Citizens are also accused of ignoring the rules. Loud, smoky firecrackers and strings of crackers were burst late into the night, taking the city's AQI into the "poor" category.

The High Court had fixed direct responsibility on the police, yet the police department showed no real alertness. It merely issued formal orders and washed its hands of the responsibility.

The pollution control board's attention also remained on completing formalities, while noise and air standards were repeatedly breached on the ground.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's anti-encroachment and enforcement squad was nowhere to be seen during the festival. Firecracker stalls set up illegally on footpaths were neither removed nor was any firm action taken against anyone. Almost all major intersections remained clogged with encroachments.

On the whole, administrative rules and court orders were drowned out by the deafening noise and smoke of firecrackers. Responsible officials, sitting in their air-conditioned cabins, kept issuing orders, while rules were flouted on the streets.