Ban harmful firecrackers: SC | Fusion - WeRIndia

India is going to celebrate Diwali on November 4. In this context, some states imposed a blanket ban on the sale and use of firecrackers, while others allowed only green or eco-friendly crackers. Some others have not announced their view on the use of firecrackers during Diwali.

In this regard, yesterday Supreme Court clarified that there is no complete ban on firecrackers, but only those crackers with barium salts are prohibited.

Barium is one of the toxic chemicals, and its use in firecrackers adversely affects the health of people. Firecrackers with barium salts emit more smoke and bright colours. Thus, they are not good for the environment as well.

The apex court said that firecrackers that are found to be harmful to the health of citizens, especially the senior citizens and the children, are banned. The court said that citizens are not permitted to use firecrackers indiscriminately. Nobody can have a right to hurt the health of others.

The court also said that no authority should violate its directions and permit the banned firecrackers. It also asked all states and UTs to implement the ban effectively, and any lapse in it would be treated seriously.

The court directed states and UTs to give publicity for its directions and make people aware of them. States and UTs shall use print/ electronic media and local cable service to give enough publicity for its directions among citizens on the manufacture, sale and use of banned firecrackers.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court yesterday banned the sale and use of all types of firecrackers, including green crackers, till December 31, while hearing a PIL filed by environmental activist Roshni Ali, seeking a ban on firecrackers. The association of firecrackers challenged the PIL, saying that the Supreme Court approved green crackers. The HC, however, did not approve it, saying that it won’t allow killing people, and it is difficult to check the authenticity of firecrackers whether they are eco-friendly or not. Hence, a complete ban will be in force in the state.

Image by Tanuj Handa from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Image Reference: https://pixabay.com/photos/crackers-fire-holiday-celebration-2803438/