Supreme Court declines total firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR, suggests celebrities like Kohli spread awareness

The issue of toxic air in Delhi-NCR during Diwali is in the headlines again. Hearing a demand for a complete ban on firecrackers, the Supreme Court made an important observation. The court's stance was that rules should be enforced and effective ways of curbing pollution adopted, instead of taking away the joy of the festival.

The court suggested enlisting the help of well-known personalities to make people aware of the pollution caused by firecrackers. It said celebrities such as Virat Kohli could carry the environmental message to the largest possible number of people.

Social media and famous people wield considerable influence today. Merely framing rules will therefore not be enough. Ordinary people too will have to act responsibly to reduce pollution.

A ban alone is not enough, and enforcement is also essential. The court is reported to have expressed concern that orders on firecrackers have to be issued every year. If the orders continue to be violated, the pollution problem remains as it was. Emphasis was therefore laid on the need for strict action against those who sell firecrackers illegally and those who break the rules.

During the hearing, the Delhi government informed the court of several measures being taken to control pollution. It was said that steps such as a restriction on vehicles coming from outside, changes in the timings of government offices and the use of smog guns are under consideration.

The amicus curiae appointed to assist the court drew attention to the health effects of the fine particles released by firecrackers. Extremely fine particles such as PM2.5 can reach the lungs and cause health problems.

Green firecrackers may emit somewhat less than ordinary ones, but they are not entirely pollution-free. Compliance with the rules and public awareness are therefore both important in the use of firecrackers.

To strike a balance between the joy of Diwali and clean air, everything will now depend on the court's final directions and on how the administration enforces them.