New Delhi: The Supreme Court has become strict on the use of illegal and banned chemical firecrackers. The court has directed all the state governments and agencies to strictly follow the earlier order on green firecrackers. Along with this, the top court has also made it clear that what kind of firecrackers will be banned.
The court pointed fingers at the work of the agencies and said that the agencies either lack willpower or have closed their eyes. After this, the court said that if the court orders are violated, then the top officials, including the chief secretaries and police chiefs of the states, will be held personally responsible.
The Supreme Court clarified that there is no ban on all firecrackers (News on Crackers Ban in India). Rather, firecrackers containing banned chemicals like barium salt have been banned. Yet banned firecrackers are being manufactured, transported, sold, and used. The court reiterated that no violation can be allowed under the guise of a festival and no one can be allowed to play with the lives of others.
The court said that all the states, state agencies have to keep an eye that the directions issued by the court are strictly followed. Any lapse on their part will be viewed very seriously. If it is found that any banned firecrackers have been manufactured, sold, and used in a particular area, the Chief Secretary of the State(s) concerned, the Secretary (Home) of the State(s) concerned, and the Commissioner of Police of the concerned area, concerned The District Superintendent of Police of the area and the SHO/Police Officer-in-charge of the concerned station will be personally accountable.
Governments should advertise about banned firecrackers
All state governments should give public advertisements through various media to create awareness about the rules prohibiting the sale and manufacture of banned firecrackers.
What was the Supreme Court order of 2017
The Supreme Court in one of its orders in 2017 had said that only firecrackers that cause less pollution and with less noise should be sold. At festivals like Deepawali, there should be fireworks only between 8 and 10 pm. On occasions like Christmas, New Year, Gurpurab, fireworks can be done for a late-night from 11.55 pm to 12.30 pm. Only green firecrackers that cause less pollution will be allowed to be made and sold. There will be a ban on making, selling, and bursting of crackers with series and threads. They cause more pollution and loud noise as well as solid waste.
Crackers will not be found online
Only licensed markets or shops can sell low-polluting firecrackers. There will be no sale of firecrackers on e-commerce websites like Flipkart and Amazon. They will be held guilty of contempt of court for selling firecrackers. If there is the sale of banned firecrackers in any area, then the SHO of the concerned police station will be responsible.
Government should look into community fireworks
Center and states should find ways to promote community fireworks so that there is no more pollution. Special places for this should be fixed in advance. The Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO) will ensure that crackers with noise exceeding the prescribed level are not sold. PESO can revoke the license of the manufacturer and seller of firecrackers with noise above the specified level.
