In a recent session, the Supreme Court of India expressed dissatisfaction with the Delhi government and police over the apparent disregard for the firecracker ban during Diwali, amidst soaring pollution levels in the capital. The apex court, highlighting the severe impact of the unrestrained firecracker usage on Delhi’s already deteriorating air quality, demanded a formal response from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and Delhi police to explain the lax enforcement of the ban.
Justice-led Supreme Court bench warned of the “chaotic” consequences on air quality if such regulations are ignored, asking for a report on measures that could prevent similar lapses in the future. In a bold step, the court proposed that Delhi consider a year-round, not just festival-time, prohibition on firecrackers to tackle the chronic pollution issue.
Beyond Delhi, the court also called for accountability from the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, known for their seasonal stubble burning. Referring to findings by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the bench highlighted the link between farm fires during Diwali and Delhi’s hazardous air quality, demanding explanations from both state governments. They have been given a week to submit their responses, with the next hearing scheduled for November 14.
This reprimand comes as Delhi’s post-Diwali air quality saw a drastic decline, with thick smog blanketing the city and several areas recording “severe” air pollution levels. The Delhi government had previously announced strict measures against firecrackers to curb pollution; however, reports of widespread violations sparked concern over the effectiveness of these restrictions.