Supreme Court bans polluting firecrackers across India

NEW DELHI,NOV 7: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that its directives against the use of banned chemicals in firecrackers applied to all states and not just Delhi and its neighbouring areas.

The top court’s clarification came during a hearing on an application seeking to direct Rajasthan to implement the court’s order banning use of certain firecrackers and reducing air and noise pollution.

“There seems to be a perception that your lordship’s order applies only to Delhi-NCR, though it is applicable throughout the country,” the petitioner told the Supreme Court.

The court directed Rajasthan to take note of its previous order, directing all states to take steps to minimise air pollution, especially during the festival season. The key is to sensitise people, the court added.

Justice MM Sundresh pointed out that there is a wrong perception that only the court has duties when it comes to environmental matters. “It is for everyone to manage air and sound pollution,” he noted.

The top court also slammed the central and the state governments for playing a “blame-game” over the Delhi air pollution issue as the air quality in the national capital and the neighboring states continues to worsen.

“We see there is a blame game, everyone is trying to pass (the reason) on…this is the reason, that is the reason,” Justice Sundresh said. The bench, however, did not comment further on the issue of stubble burning, stating that the matter is slated to be heard by the top court later in the day.

-PTI