In a landmark decision aimed at curbing the alarming levels of air and noise pollution, the Delhi government has imposed a permanent, all-encompassing ban on firecrackers. The Supreme Court was informed on December 19 that this ban, passed under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, applies to the manufacture, storage, sale, and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers across the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the Delhi government, confirmed that the order is enforceable immediately and covers the sale of crackers through both physical and online platforms.
This move follows the Supreme Court’s directive for a lasting solution to the worsening pollution levels in Delhi, especially during the festival seasons when air quality dips dangerously due to the bursting of firecrackers. The court’s order highlights the urgency of tackling both air and noise pollution, which significantly affect the health of the city’s residents. However, the government acknowledged that for the ban to be fully effective, neighbouring states in the National Capital Region (NCR)—Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh—must also enforce similar measures.
Rajasthan has already taken steps by imposing a similar ban in its NCR regions on December 17, 2024. However, the Delhi government’s counsel raised concerns over the lack of consultation with firecracker dealers before the imposition of the ban, with 150 dealers challenging the decision in court. Despite this, the court has now called for Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to follow suit, underscoring the need for coordinated action across the NCR region to address this growing environmental crisis.
From a civic standpoint, the Delhi government’s decision represents a bold move to safeguard public health. The capital city has been grappling with hazardous air quality for years, exacerbated by the seasonal use of firecrackers, which significantly contribute to particulate matter (PM2.5) levels. For instance, during Diwali in previous years, air quality in Delhi has plunged to hazardous levels, leading to a rise in respiratory illnesses, hospital admissions, and even premature deaths.
This move also aligns with the broader sustainability goals for the region. By eliminating the use of firecrackers, Delhi hopes to not only reduce pollution but also promote more eco-friendly ways of celebrating festivals. With increasing evidence linking air pollution to long-term health issues, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, this decision is expected to provide substantial long-term benefits for both the environment and public health. Additionally, the move could stimulate the growth of cleaner, more sustainable celebrations, setting an example for other metropolitan cities struggling with similar pollution challenges.
Ultimately, this decision, if successfully implemented across the NCR, could be a major step in transforming Delhi into a more liveable and sustainable urban environment, providing a cleaner, healthier future for its residents.