New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Delhi government and police, seeking answers as to why the ban on firecrackers during Diwali was not followed, amid severe air pollution persisting in the national capital.
Noting that reports in newspapers stated that the ban on firecrackers was openly flouted, the top court said: “This is responsible for sudden deterioration in air quality. What is the purpose of our order?” referring to the court’s order to ban use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.
“Pollution is higher than 2022, 2023… Apparently, people were bringing crackers from other states,” the court added.
The Supreme Court bench issued a notice to Delhi Police Commissioner and the Aam Aadmi Party government asking what steps they took to implement the firecracker ban order.
“We will issue notice to Delhi police commissioner, will ask if SC order was implemented. We need immediate answers… this should not happen next year,” the court said.
The court observed that a chaotic situation is created by crackers if not controlled. “Some strict action, such as sealing of premises, is needed against those violating firecrackers ban in Delhi. We need to do something so that court orders on firecrackers ban are not violated during Diwali next year.”
The top court also sought responses from Punjab and Haryana to explain how farm fires during Diwali increased, as per a report by Centre for Science and Environment.
The Supreme Court directed all responses to be filed in a week.
The matter on air pollution will be next heard on November 14.
