Supreme Court bans sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court has banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR in an attempt to keep the rising pollution level of the capital and its surrounding areas under check.
The order of apex means that any sale, purchase or stocking of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR will be rendered illegal. The a ban on firecrackers also links to winter pollution
The Supreme Court ruling also sends a clear message that religious and wedding celebrations take second place to the basic fundamental right to breathe clean air under Article 21.
What SC order says?

• The licences of the existing firecrackers sellers in Delhi-NCR will be suspended. Government will not issue new licences to any seller in this region.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) must study the harmful effects of the materials used in firecrackers and submit its report in three months.
• There is no restriction on bursting crackers as it will be difficult to implement and monitor.

What is the issue?
New Delhi ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. The air quality usually in New Delhi usually worsens during Diwali, when smoke from firecrackers and crops residue burnt in neighbouring states envelops the capital city. Following Diwali celebrations this year, air pollution had increased at an alarming rate, covering the national capital in a blanket of smog for few days. This year Diwali fire crackers had pushed pollution level in Delhi to a dangerous level, worst in past three years. On Diwali night, Particulate Matter (PM) 10 in Delhi ranged from 448 (micrograms per cubic metre) g/m3 to 939 g/m3 as against the national safe standard of 100 g/m3.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016