Court allows certified production of eco-friendly firecrackers ahead of Diwali, but bans sale and storage.
The Supreme Court has permitted the manufacturing of green crackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), but has maintained a ban on their sale and storage. This decision was announced on a Friday, just ahead of the Diwali festival scheduled for October 21. The court emphasized that only certified manufacturers are allowed to produce these eco-friendly firecrackers, which are designed to be less polluting than traditional versions.
Green firecrackers utilize modified formulations and are devoid of certain harmful substances such as lithium, arsenic, barium, and lead. The ruling comes in response to previous concerns regarding a total ban on firecrackers, which had been imposed in the NCR. Such a ban raised issues about its impact on the livelihoods of workers engaged in the firecracker industry.
The bench, which included Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria, recognized the need for a more nuanced approach. They pointed out the potential for an absolute ban to lead to unintended consequences, drawing a parallel to a past ruling concerning mining in Bihar that inadvertently fostered illegal mining activities. Justice Gavai remarked on the importance of adopting a balanced strategy that considers both environmental concerns and economic realities.
As part of the court’s order, only those manufacturers who possess valid certifications from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute will be permitted to produce green crackers. Additionally, these manufacturers are required to submit an undertaking confirming that they will not sell their products within the NCR until further notice from the court.
This ruling aims to provide temporary relief to certified manufacturers in a sector that has faced significant challenges due to environmental regulations. The court’s decision reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance public health and safety with economic opportunities for workers in the firecracker industry.
The matter is scheduled for further hearings on October 8, indicating that the court is committed to monitoring the situation closely as the festive season approaches. This decision highlights the ongoing dialogue between environmental protection efforts and the economic implications for various sectors in the region.
