The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of the Delhi government’s failure to effectively implement measures to combat the rising air pollution levels in the capital following the Diwali festivities. A bench led by Justice S. Oka highlighted that the ban on firecrackers in Delhi was “hardly implemented,” as evidenced by the alarming pollution levels recorded during Diwali.
The court demanded an immediate explanation from the Delhi government, requesting details on the enforcement of the firecracker ban and whether the order was issued under the Environment Protection Act. “We want to hear this immediately,” the bench stated, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Justice Oka further urged the government and relevant authorities to consider a “perpetual ban” on firecrackers, which are a significant contributor to the region’s air quality issues. He noted that residents were sourcing firecrackers from neighboring states and suggested the initiation of a public awareness campaign ahead of future Diwali celebrations to improve compliance.
In response to the pollution crisis, the court has also issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, instructing the government and law enforcement to establish a robust mechanism for enforcing the ban to prevent a recurrence of this situation next year.
As the air quality in Delhi deteriorated to the ‘Severe’ category earlier this week, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 383 before slightly improving to ‘Very Poor.’ Despite a complete ban on firecrackers since 2017, the concentration of PM2.5 particles was reported to be 100% higher on Diwali night compared to a typical day in 2023. This exacerbation of pollution is compounded by the burning of crop residue in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana, which coincides with cooler weather conditions that trap harmful smoke.
A recent survey conducted by Local Circles among over 21,000 residents in the Delhi-NCR area highlighted the alarming health impacts of rising air pollution. The findings revealed that 69% of families reported one or more members suffering from pollution-related illnesses, including sore throats, breathing difficulties, and persistent coughs. Additionally, 62% of families noted symptoms such as burning eyes, while 46% reported issues like runny noses or congestion, underscoring the urgent need for effective pollution control measures in the capital.
