'Firecrackers ban hardly implemented, what steps taken': SC to Delhi govt, police commissioner

Referring to a report of the Centre for Science and Environment, the top court noted it was evident that Diwali in 2024 was warmer than in the previous couple of years, 2022 and 2023.

New Delhi: Amid alarming levels of air pollution post-Diwali in the national capital, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Delhi government and other authorities to consider a perpetual ban on the use of firecrackers in Delhi.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih also deplored the non-implementation of the firecracker ban in Delhi, saying it is apparent that its order was not implemented and also stubble burning increased around Diwali.

The court directed the Delhi government and Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to file affidavits to bring on record steps taken to implement the ban this year as well as future steps to ensure compliance with the ban next year within one week.

Meanwhile, the government of Delhi and other authorities will also take a call on a perpetual ban on the use of firecrackers in Delhi, the bench said, hearing a matter arising out of a petition filed by M C Mehta.

In several parts of Delhi, the air quality breached the severe mark as PM 2.5 concentration levels soared, which resulted in hazardous conditions for respiratory health.

A report released by the CSE on Saturday indicated that the peak concentration level of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 was 13 per cent higher at midnight on Diwali this year compared to 2022 and 2023. It also found that PM 2.5 levels were 34 per cent higher on Diwali this year than on the night of the festival in 2022, which was also an end-of-October celebration.

The bench said that the report showed that the pollution level on this Diwali was all-time high and it was much higher than the Diwali of 2022 and 2023.

"Moreover, the report indicates that farm fires increased during Diwali days. We direct the Delhi government to file a detailed affidavit placing on record the orders banning the use of firecrackers and steps taken by the Delhi government to implement the same,” the bench said.

The court also directed the governments of Haryana and Punjab to file affidavits indicating the details of the number of instances of stubble burning during the last 10 days of October.

The court fixed the matter for further hearing on November 14.

A counsel suggested the firecrackers ban should be extended during the upcoming wedding season in the next few months.