The Supreme Court of India has extended a nationwide ban on firecrackers, emphasizing that previous directives against the use of barium and banned chemicals in firecrackers apply to all states and not just Delhi-NCR. This clarification was made during a hearing on a plea regarding firecrackers in the state of Rajasthan.
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The court’s ruling also mandates that state governments take appropriate measures to control air and noise pollution during Diwali celebrations. The state of Rajasthan was instructed by the court that no fresh directives are needed, and it should adhere to previous orders aimed at reducing air and noise pollution. The Supreme Court noted that its previous orders would be binding for all states in India.
The court made it clear that it is not solely the court’s responsibility to address environmental issues, highlighting that managing pollution is a shared duty. It stressed the importance of celebrating Diwali in an environmentally friendly manner with fewer firecrackers.
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In 2021, the Supreme Court issued directives to prevent the use of banned chemicals in firecrackers before Diwali, specifically emphasizing the ban on firecrackers containing barium salts. Green crackers, following guidelines from a 2018 Supreme Court directive, remain permissible.
During the November 7, 2023 hearing, the court observed that, in recent times, adults tend to burst more firecrackers than children. The state of Rajasthan was also urged to take immediate measures to combat pollution in Udaipur.
On September 22, the Supreme Court had rejected a plea seeking the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers containing barium chemicals.
