In a stern session on Monday, the Supreme Court expressed frustration with the Delhi government and local police over their apparent inability to enforce the firecracker ban during Diwali. Despite clear directives aimed at safeguarding air quality, celebrations saw widespread use of firecrackers across the capital, and Delhi’s air quality has now plummeted to “severe” levels, bringing heightened health risks for millions. The Court, concerned over the accountability of the authorities, demanded a thorough response from the Aam Aadmi Party government and Delhi police to explain their oversight and failure in controlling the pollution surge.
The Supreme Court noted that allowing firecracker use amidst an ongoing pollution crisis creates a “chaotic situation” and asked pointedly why preventive steps were not enacted more rigorously. The bench further raised the possibility of a permanent ban on firecrackers in Delhi, rather than limiting restrictions to the Diwali season. Can such a ban offer a sustainable solution for the city’s annual pollution issues? The Court’s questions reflected a deep concern over whether the city’s administrative and law enforcement bodies have both the commitment and the capability to address the capital’s mounting air quality crisis.
In addition to the crackdown on firecrackers, the Court directed Punjab and Haryana to submit their reports on the contribution of farm fires to Delhi’s pollution levels. Crop burning during the autumn months is a significant source of toxic particulate matter in Delhi’s air, compounding the harmful effects of firecracker emissions. As the haze thickens each year after Diwali, the Court questioned the governments of these neighbouring states on their mitigation strategies, particularly as stubble burning surges annually around this time.
For residents, the consequences of this oversight are palpable. Hospitals across Delhi have seen an increase in respiratory distress cases, especially among vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The Court’s mandate to the Delhi administration highlights a critical issue: What meaningful solutions can the Delhi government implement to prevent such failures in future festivals?
The Delhi government has until November 14 to respond to the Supreme Court’s directives, but with each passing year, the stakes grow higher. While a year-round ban on firecrackers might sound like an extreme measure, the court emphasized the urgent need for strict enforcement if such regulations are to offer any real benefit to the city’s struggling air quality.
