New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday criticised the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for failing to enforce firecracker restrictions effectively, warning that repeated violations made its directions meaningless. Hearing petitions on air pollution in Delhi-NCR, a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale said authorities must demonstrate concrete action on the ground, while making clear that it was not inclined to impose a complete ban on fireworks.
"There is no point in passing orders and directions unless you give effect to them on the ground, otherwise, it becomes a mockery," the bench observed, adding that pollution affected "every living being".
The court questioned officials over the absence of reliable data on enforcement, including whether inspection teams had visited identified areas, when they conducted inspections and what violations they recorded. It also sought comparisons between areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose and those where it remained stable.
The court-appointed amicus curiae raised concerns about hazardous particulate matter released by firecrackers and the lack of a proper mechanism to establish whether products sold as green crackers met the required standards. She cited reports of banned fireworks being used under the guise of green crackers last year and pointed to a rise in Delhi-NCR's AQI after Dussehra celebrations.
The bench said it wanted to balance religious sentiments with public health rather than prohibit fireworks altogether. However, it cautioned authorities against allowing repeated violations and urged them to monitor compliance closely during permitted hours.
"We also understand the sentiments of the public. We are not inclined to completely ban but don't push us to take a very harsh stand," the judges told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the Centre.
The bench also suggested involving prominent personalities, including sports figures, in public awareness campaigns to discourage firecracker use. It said officials must focus on effective implementation rather than merely issuing orders each year.
Bhati informed the court that Delhi had prepared an extensive winter pollution action plan, with measures scheduled to take effect from November. These include restrictions on older vehicles, controls on construction and demolition activities, staggered office timings, 608 anti-smog guns, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, greening initiatives and enhanced monitoring.
The bench, however, questioned a report indicating that only nine of CAQM's 29 units were functioning and sought evidence that existing measures were reducing pollution.
The Centre also sought three weeks to complete internal consultations on the use of barium in firecrackers. The court said it would consider the issue after that period.
The proceedings form part of the Supreme Court's broader examination of Delhi-NCR pollution, including firecrackers, stubble burning and solid waste management. The court has previously permitted green crackers during specified hours on a conditional, trial basis, seeking a balance between festive traditions and environmental protection.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.