<p>The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (Oct 15) relaxed the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR for Diwali. In a relief for those looking forward to bursting crackers this Diwali, the top court, in its order, allowed the use of green crackers between 18th October and 21st October, i.e., on the day of Diwali. The court, however, has set time restrictions, stipulating that firecrackers can only be set off in approved areas, between 6 AM-7 AM and 8 PM-10 PM.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | India&#39;s apex court has relaxed the ban on green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on Diwali. <br><br>The bursting of firecrackers is now allowed on the day before Diwali and on Diwali itself. <br><br> They can be burst only in designated places, between 6AM-7AM and 8PM-10PM.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a>… <a href="https://t.co/bDMgMIYFgg">pic.twitter.com/bDMgMIYFgg</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1978330354944479385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, announcing the much-awaited Diwali firecracker celebration decision, said that as a temporary measure, bursting of crackers would be allowed only from 18-21 October.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilots-may-soon-engage-enemies-before-they-even-see-them-drdo-to-extend-astra-mark-2-missile-s-range-to-200-km-1760497030145"><strong>Indian skies just got deadlier: Astra Mark 2 missiles to hit targets 200 km away</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Supreme Court relaxes firecracker ban</strong></h2><p>Relaxing its year-long blanket ban the Court said it would temporarily adopt the 2018 Arjun Gopal precedent to strike a balance between festive traditions and public health.</p><p>A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said green crackers — approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) — can be sold between October 15 and October 21, 2025. The sale will only be allowed at designated locations identified by district collectors and police commissioners, who have also been directed to publicise these sites widely.</p><p>To ensure compliance, the police and local administrations have been tasked with forming patrolling teams to monitor these sales. These teams are expected to verify QR codes on cracker packages, conduct random checks, and ensure only licensed manufacturers’ products are sold. Firecrackers sold online will remain strictly prohibited. The Court also directed that crackers manufactured outside the NCR should not enter the region, and that non-NEERI-certified products must be seized immediately.</p><h2><strong>But, what about Delhi's ‘poor’ AQI</strong></h2><p>The Supreme Court has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to monitor the Air Quality Index from October 14 to 21 and submit its findings to the Court, including samples of sand and water from major bursting sites.<br><br>&nbsp;</p>

The Supreme Court has eased its earlier ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali. The court has permitted the use of green crackers on THESE days. Scroll down to read. 

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (Oct 15) relaxed the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR for Diwali. In a relief for those looking forward to bursting crackers this Diwali, the top court, in its order, allowed the use of green crackers between 18th October and 21st October, i.e., on the day of Diwali. The court, however, has set time restrictions, stipulating that firecrackers can only be set off in approved areas, between 6 AM-7 AM and 8 PM-10 PM.

<p>The Supreme Court has eased its earlier ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali. The court has permitted the use of <i>green crackers</i> on THESE days. Scroll down to read.&nbsp;</p>

Supreme Court relaxes firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR for Diwali

<blockquote>
<p><em>"Delhi’s air is thick with tradition... and a government’s lack of ambition."</em></p>
</blockquote>

<p>Another rant on post-Diwali pollution on the internet! I know you have had enough, and so have I. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday night, sitting on my terrace, I was watching fireworks and saw a fog of broken promises and burned paper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For many, Diwali is all about light, family and celebration. But for people like me, who struggle for a clean breath in this city, it was a sleepless night.</p>

<p>My generation, the so-called 'Gen-Z', was raised with an eco-consciousness mindset. But now, we simply watch each festival multiplying as a countdown to climate catastrophe.</p>

<h2>Data Speaks Louder (When You Listen)</h2>

<p>Let’s not skip the numbers.</p>

<p>On the morning of November 1, a day after Diwali, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 359. On the night, it was recorded around 500, according to the real-time data provided by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2023, Delhi's AQI was recorded as high as 301 on Diwali, according to the data published by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).</p>

<h2>Noise of Ignorance</h2>

<p>While growing up, I was taught Diwali is a "festival of lights," but being born and brought up in Delhi, it's more a "Festival of Frights" for me. Every year, I witness my neighbourhood erupting with crackers and turning homes into gas chambers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Government That Bans For Headlines</h2>

<p>"Nothing Hindu-Muslim in ban on firecrackers in Delhi," said the chief of Delhi's ruling party Arvind Kejriwal on October 30, six years after the Supreme Court of India imposed a ban on all conventional crackers in Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said the so-called ban on crackers was necessary for protecting people from pollution and that there was no 'Hindu-Muslim' angle to it.</p>

<p>Kejriwal urged the people of Delhi to celebrate Diwali by lighting diya (Earthen lamps), instead of bursting firecrackers that cause pollution.</p>

<p>But, after making headlines on national and international levels, did the ruling party cross-check if the instructions were being followed?&nbsp;</p>

<p>No, they certainly didn't. There was no patrol, no checks, only the silence of those in power. It's not hard for one to feel that the ban was for the optics, just for the international media so they can defend themselves saying they "tried."</p>

<p>But let’s be honest: a ban without enforcement is just another noise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government’s policies lack teeth, and the reality couldn’t be more obvious. A report by the Times of India published on October 27 revealed that buying a packet of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR is as easy as buying a packet of milk.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Generation Z: aware but defeated?</h2>

<p>My generation knows what's at stake. We see the data on pollution, and we see the "severe" AQIs, every year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We grew up learning lessons on recycling, eating eco-friendly food. But we are powerless, in front of a culture that's reluctant to change and a government that refuses to enforce its own rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What's stopping us from not giving a single thought about an entire population suffering because of something we do "just for fun?" Tradition or habit? No idea! Because when it comes to inhaling toxic air, that distinction doesn’t matter.</p>

<h2>Need for real change</h2>

<p>It's easy to play the blame game. After all, tradition is a powerful thing. But we are those who claim to be the generation of change. If we don't stand up, if we don't speak up, who will?&nbsp;</p>

<p>I am not asking people to forgo Diwali traditions. But what impact will it create if we opt for alternatives that don't fill our lungs with soot? I think, huge.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>'Green' to go?</h2>

<p>Mohandas Pai, the former CFO of Infosys and the chairman of Aarin Capital Partners in an interview with Wion, suggested that opting for green crackers could be a solution to post-Diwali pollution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But are "green crackers" feasible?</p>

<p>The Times of India report said the green firecrackers, which are produced without barium, are almost impossible to distinguish from normal ones. One can have the hardest time identifying them and can be easily misled.</p>

<h2>What now?</h2>

<p>How about simply celebrating the festival without explosions? How about celebrating Diwali the actual way it was celebrated for the first time in Ayodhya? Let's stick to the tradition. Let's speak up loud enough to be heard over the blasts of ignorance.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</em></p>


"Delhi’s air is thick with tradition... and a government’s lack of ambition." Another rant on post-Diwali pollution on the internet! I know you have had enough, and so have I.

"Delhi’s air is thick with tradition... and a government’s lack of ambition." Another rant on post-Diwali pollution on the internet! I know you have had enough, and so have I. On Thursday night, sitting on my terrace, I was watching fireworks and saw a fog of broken promises and burned paper. For many, Diwali is all about light, family and celebration. But for people like me, who struggle for a clean breath in this city, it was a sleepless night. My generation, the so-called 'Gen-Z', was raised with an eco-consciousness mindset. But now, we simply watch each festival multiplying as a countdown to climate catastrophe. Data Speaks Louder (When You Listen) Let’s not skip the numbers. On the morning of November 1, a day after Diwali, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 359. On the night, it was recorded around 500, according to the real-time data provided by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). In 2023, Delhi's AQI was recorded as high as 301 on Diwali, according to the data published by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Noise of Ignorance While growing up, I was taught Diwali is a "festival of lights," but being born and brought up in Delhi, it's more a "Festival of Frights" for me. Every year, I witness my neighbourhood erupting with crackers and turning homes into gas chambers. Government That Bans For Headlines "Nothing Hindu-Muslim in ban on firecrackers in Delhi," said the chief of Delhi's ruling party Arvind Kejriwal on October 30, six years after the Supreme Court of India imposed a ban on all conventional crackers in Delhi-NCR. He said the so-called ban on crackers was necessary for protecting people from pollution and that there was no 'Hindu-Muslim' angle to it. Kejriwal urged the people of Delhi to celebrate Diwali by lighting diya (Earthen lamps), instead of bursting firecrackers that cause pollution. But, after making headlines on national and international levels, did the ruling party cross-check if the instructions were being followed? No, they certainly didn't. There was no patrol, no checks, only the silence of those in power. It's not hard for one to feel that the ban was for the optics, just for the international media so they can defend themselves saying they "tried." But let’s be honest: a ban without enforcement is just another noise. The government’s policies lack teeth, and the reality couldn’t be more obvious. A report by the Times of India published on October 27 revealed that buying a packet of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR is as easy as buying a packet of milk. Generation Z: aware but defeated? My generation knows what's at stake. We see the data on pollution, and we see the "severe" AQIs, every year. We grew up learning lessons on recycling, eating eco-friendly food. But we are powerless, in front of a culture that's reluctant to change and a government that refuses to enforce its own rules. What's stopping us from not giving a single thought about an entire population suffering because of something we do "just for fun?" Tradition or habit? No idea! Because when it comes to inhaling toxic air, that distinction doesn’t matter. Need for real change It's easy to play the blame game. After all, tradition is a powerful thing. But we are those who claim to be the generation of change. If we don't stand up, if we don't speak up, who will? I am not asking people to forgo Diwali traditions. But what impact will it create if we opt for alternatives that don't fill our lungs with soot? I think, huge. 'Green' to go? Mohandas Pai, the former CFO of Infosys and the chairman of Aarin Capital Partners in an interview with Wion, suggested that opting for green crackers could be a solution to post-Diwali pollution. But are "green crackers" feasible? The Times of India report said the green firecrackers, which are produced without barium, are almost impossible to distinguish from normal ones. One can have the hardest time identifying them and can be easily misled. What now? How about simply celebrating the festival without explosions? How about celebrating Diwali the actual way it was celebrated for the first time in Ayodhya? Let's stick to the tradition. Let's speak up loud enough to be heard over the blasts of ignorance. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

When crackers speak louder than laws, what's the Gen Z doing?

<p>The Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 7) reiterated that its earlier order banning the use of barium and prohibited chemicals in firecrackers are applicable across the country, and not just to Delhi and its adjoining areas.</p>

<p>The order comes days before the Diwali celebrations on November 12.</p>

<p>The clarification came while hearing a plea seeking direction to the Rajasthan government to comply with the top court’s order on the ban on barium crackers and minimising air and noise pollution.</p>

<p>“At this juncture, no specific order will be necessary in as much as this Court in the course of hearing the petitions has passed several orders, where steps have been indicated to minimise and avoid air as well as noise pollution. Hence the said orders will bind every state in the country, including the state of Rajasthan,” a bench of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh said in its order, reports LiveLaw.</p>

<p>“Therefore, we make it clear that the state of Rajasthan would also take note of this and take all steps to minimise air and noise pollution, not only during the festival season but even thereafter" the bench stated.</p>

<h2><strong>'Celebrate Diwali, but with moderation'</strong></h2>

<p>Justice Sundresh said that celebrations must take place, but not at the cost of the environment.</p>

<p>“Celebrations can take place, but with some moderation. One can bring happiness to others with celebrations, but not at the cost of the environment,” Justice Sundresh said, according to the Hindu newspaper.</p>

<p>Justice Bopanna noted that adults, not children,&nbsp;tend to go overboard while bursting crackers galore, with no thought of the pollution and discomfort caused by them.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-poor-aqi-what-is-grap-and-its-stages-indian-capitals-pollution-control-plan-655984">What is GRAP and its stages? Delhi's pollution control plan</a></p>

<p>“Due to awareness spread in school, children do not burst crackers much. It is the adults who do it,” Justice Bopanna said, adding that people easily dodge time restrictions imposed for bursting crackers.</p>

<h2><strong>Order binding</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>“If we give a 10.30 pm&nbsp;limit, they will burst their entire stock of crackers by 10 pm. All they think of is finishing their stock of crackers,” he remarked.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-stubbly-burning-the-sole-reason-for-delhis-poor-aqi-a-new-study-reveals-otherwise-655878">Is stubble burning the sole reason for Delhi’s poor air quality? A new study reveals otherwise</a></p>

<p>The court reminded the responsibilities of the state governments in minimising air and noise pollution not only during festive seasons but also&nbsp;otherwise as well.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court bench asserted that the order&nbsp;on firecrackers is binding on&nbsp;all states, including Rajasthan, the bench reiterated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 7) reiterated that its earlier order banning the use of barium and prohibited chemicals in firecrackers are applicable across the country, and not just to Delhi and its adjoining areas.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 7) reiterated that its earlier order banning the use of barium and prohibited chemicals in firecrackers are applicable across the country, and not just to Delhi and its adjoining areas. The order comes days before the Diwali celebrations on November 12. The clarification came while hearing a plea seeking direction to the Rajasthan government to comply with the top court’s order on the ban on barium crackers and minimising air and noise pollution. “At this juncture, no specific order will be necessary in as much as this Court in the course of hearing the petitions has passed several orders, where steps have been indicated to minimise and avoid air as well as noise pollution. Hence the said orders will bind every state in the country, including the state of Rajasthan,” a bench of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh said in its order, reports LiveLaw. “Therefore, we make it clear that the state of Rajasthan would also take note of this and take all steps to minimise air and noise pollution, not only during the festival season but even thereafter" the bench stated. 'Celebrate Diwali, but with moderation' Justice Sundresh said that celebrations must take place, but not at the cost of the environment. “Celebrations can take place, but with some moderation. One can bring happiness to others with celebrations, but not at the cost of the environment,” Justice Sundresh said, according to the Hindu newspaper. Justice Bopanna noted that adults, not children, tend to go overboard while bursting crackers galore, with no thought of the pollution and discomfort caused by them. Also read | What is GRAP and its stages? Delhi's pollution control plan “Due to awareness spread in school, children do not burst crackers much. It is the adults who do it,” Justice Bopanna said, adding that people easily dodge time restrictions imposed for bursting crackers. Order binding “If we give a 10.30 pm limit, they will burst their entire stock of crackers by 10 pm. All they think of is finishing their stock of crackers,” he remarked. Also read | Is stubble burning the sole reason for Delhi’s poor air quality? A new study reveals otherwise The court reminded the responsibilities of the state governments in minimising air and noise pollution not only during festive seasons but also otherwise as well. The Supreme Court bench asserted that the order on firecrackers is binding on all states, including Rajasthan, the bench reiterated. (With inputs from agencies)

Directions to regulate firecrackers meant for entire India, not just Delhi: Supreme Court

<p>India's Kerala High Court has prohibited the bursting of firecrackers at odd hours at&nbsp;religious spots citing the absence of any religious commandment to do so, media reports said.&nbsp;Justice Amit Rawal, presiding over a single judge bench, has ordered all District Collectors in the state to conduct raids in religious places with the assistance of the Commissioners of Police.</p>

<p>The court ordered the confiscation of illegally stored firecrackers and issued clear instructions prohibiting the bursting of firecrackers in religious places at unconventional times.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-telephonic-conversation-with-uae-president-over-ongoing-situation-in-west-asia-654882">PM Modi holds telephonic conversation with UAE President over ongoing situation in West Asia</a></p>

<p>"I...direct the Deputy Collector with the Assistance of the Commissioner of Police, Cochin and other districts, to conduct raids in all religious places and take into possession of the crackers illegally stored in all religious places and issue instructions that henceforth onwards no crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd time as prima facie there is no commandment in any of the holy book to burst crackers for pleasing the God," the court reportedly observed.</p>

<h2><strong>Petition seeking ban&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The court's decision was in response to a petition seeking the court's intervention in preventing the use of firecrackers in religious places across Kerala. The petitioners argued that explosive licenses, issued by the District Collector under Explosive Rules, have been granted to a few temple authorities.</p>

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<p>The court concurred with the petitioners, stating that such licenses should not be granted because the use of firecrackers leads to noise and air pollution and disturbs the peace.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-does-apples-warning-of-state-sponsored-attack-mean-experts-explain-654870">What does Apple's warning of 'state-sponsored attack' mean, experts explain</a></strong></p>

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<p>The judges said that they had heard firecrackers being set off past midnight and deemed it necessary to take action over this. The court has warned that if any instances of firecracker use in violation of the order are reported, contempt proceedings will be initiated. According to Live Law, the matter is scheduled for further consideration on November 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Kerala High Court has prohibited the bursting of firecrackers at odd hours at religious spots citing the absence of any religious commandment to do so, media reports said.

India's Kerala High Court has prohibited the bursting of firecrackers at odd hours at religious spots citing the absence of any religious commandment to do so, media reports said. Justice Amit Rawal, presiding over a single judge bench, has ordered all District Collectors in the state to conduct raids in religious places with the assistance of the Commissioners of Police. The court ordered the confiscation of illegally stored firecrackers and issued clear instructions prohibiting the bursting of firecrackers in religious places at unconventional times. Also Read | PM Modi holds telephonic conversation with UAE President over ongoing situation in West Asia "I...direct the Deputy Collector with the Assistance of the Commissioner of Police, Cochin and other districts, to conduct raids in all religious places and take into possession of the crackers illegally stored in all religious places and issue instructions that henceforth onwards no crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd time as prima facie there is no commandment in any of the holy book to burst crackers for pleasing the God," the court reportedly observed. Petition seeking ban The court's decision was in response to a petition seeking the court's intervention in preventing the use of firecrackers in religious places across Kerala. The petitioners argued that explosive licenses, issued by the District Collector under Explosive Rules, have been granted to a few temple authorities. Also Read | Around 97,000 Indians held while unlawfully sneaking into US between Oct 2022 to Sept 2023: Report The court concurred with the petitioners, stating that such licenses should not be granted because the use of firecrackers leads to noise and air pollution and disturbs the peace. Watch | What does Apple's warning of 'state-sponsored attack' mean, experts explain × The judges said that they had heard firecrackers being set off past midnight and deemed it necessary to take action over this. The court has warned that if any instances of firecracker use in violation of the order are reported, contempt proceedings will be initiated. According to Live Law, the matter is scheduled for further consideration on November 24. (With inputs from agencies)

No holy text prescribes it: Kerala HC bans firecracker bursting at religious spots at odd hours

India's gearing up for the upcoming winter season and Winters in North India are famous for one particular reason, record-breaking air pollution, especially in the capital New Delhi and its Satellite City. Now New Delhi has reimposed a ban on firecrackers ahead of the Diwali Festival to curb air pollution in the winter season.

Delhi police instructed to stop issuing licenses for firecrackers

<p>Bursting of firecrackers on Diwali in Delhi will attract a jail term of up to six months and a fine of Rs 200, environment minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Production, storage and sale of firecrackers in the national capital will be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and three years' jail under Section 9B of the Explosives Act, the minister told a press conference here.<br />
<br />
In September, the city government re-imposed a complete ban on the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers till January 1, including on Diwali, a practice it has been following for the last two years.<br />
<br />
Rai said a public awareness campaign — Diye Jalao Patakhe Nahi (light diyas, not firecrackers) — will be launched on October 21.<br />
<br />
The Delhi government will light 51,000 diyas at the Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday.<br />
<br />
"The purchase and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi will be punishable with a fine of Rs 200 and six months in jail under the Indian Penal Code," the minister said.</p>

<p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biomass-burning-rather-than-firecrackers-makes-delhis-air-quality-poor-says-iit-delhi-study-482184">Biomass burning rather than firecrackers makes Delhi’s air quality poor, says IIT Delhi study</a><br />
<br />
Rai said 408 teams have been set up to implement the ban.<br />
<br />
The Delhi Police has set up 210 teams under assistant commissioners of police, while the revenue department has constituted 165 teams and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee 33.<br />
<br />
The minister said 188 cases of violations have been detected and 2,917 kg firecrackers seized till October 16.<br />
<br />
The air quality in Delhi and neighbouring areas start worsening in October due to unfavourable meteorological factors such as low temperatures and wind speed, which do not allow dispersion of pollutants.<br />
<br />
A cocktail of emissions from firecrackers and stubble burning in neighbouring states further dent the air quality.<br />
<br />
"Pollution levels rise around Diwali every year. The major reason is the bursting of firecrackers. Emissions from firecrackers are extremely dangerous especially for kids, women and the elderly."<br />
<br />
"Therefore, the Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers this year too. The ban covers online delivery of firecrackers," the minister said.<br />
<br />
Rai urged Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav to ensure the ban on firecrackers is strictly implemented in the entire NCR "as the smoke from firecrackers burst in the region impacts the people in Delhi also".</p>

<p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhis-air-pollutants-5-times-higher-than-permissible-limit-analysis-494990">New Delhi's air pollutants five times higher than permissible limit: Analysis</a><br />
<br />
Besides Delhi, Haryana had also imposed a ban on the sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers in the 14 districts in the National Capital Region last year, while Uttar Pradesh had allowed the use of green crackers on Diwali just for two hours in areas with moderate or better air quality.<br />
<br />
Despite the restrictions, people burst firecrackers till late night in Delhi, Noida, Faridabad and Gurugram.<br />
<br />
Fireworks had led to major changes in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi on Diwali night (November 4), according to the DPCC.<br />
<br />
Emissions from firecrackers and farm fires had pushed the capital's 24-hour average air quality index for the day after Diwali to 462, the highest in five years.</p>

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Bursting of firecrackers on Diwali in Delhi will attract a jail term of up to six months and a fine of Rs 200, environment minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday. Production, storage and sale of firecrackers in the national capital will be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and three years' jail under Section 9B of the Explosives Act, the minister told a press conference here.

Bursting of firecrackers on Diwali in Delhi will attract a jail term of up to six months and a fine of Rs 200, environment minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday. Production, storage and sale of firecrackers in the national capital will be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and three years' jail under Section 9B of the Explosives Act, the minister told a press conference here. In September, the city government re-imposed a complete ban on the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers till January 1, including on Diwali, a practice it has been following for the last two years. Rai said a public awareness campaign — Diye Jalao Patakhe Nahi (light diyas, not firecrackers) — will be launched on October 21. The Delhi government will light 51,000 diyas at the Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday. "The purchase and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi will be punishable with a fine of Rs 200 and six months in jail under the Indian Penal Code," the minister said. ALSO READ: Biomass burning rather than firecrackers makes Delhi’s air quality poor, says IIT Delhi study Rai said 408 teams have been set up to implement the ban. The Delhi Police has set up 210 teams under assistant commissioners of police, while the revenue department has constituted 165 teams and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee 33. The minister said 188 cases of violations have been detected and 2,917 kg firecrackers seized till October 16. The air quality in Delhi and neighbouring areas start worsening in October due to unfavourable meteorological factors such as low temperatures and wind speed, which do not allow dispersion of pollutants. A cocktail of emissions from firecrackers and stubble burning in neighbouring states further dent the air quality. "Pollution levels rise around Diwali every year. The major reason is the bursting of firecrackers. Emissions from firecrackers are extremely dangerous especially for kids, women and the elderly." "Therefore, the Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers this year too. The ban covers online delivery of firecrackers," the minister said. Rai urged Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav to ensure the ban on firecrackers is strictly implemented in the entire NCR "as the smoke from firecrackers burst in the region impacts the people in Delhi also". ALSO READ: New Delhi's air pollutants five times higher than permissible limit: Analysis Besides Delhi, Haryana had also imposed a ban on the sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers in the 14 districts in the National Capital Region last year, while Uttar Pradesh had allowed the use of green crackers on Diwali just for two hours in areas with moderate or better air quality. Despite the restrictions, people burst firecrackers till late night in Delhi, Noida, Faridabad and Gurugram. Fireworks had led to major changes in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi on Diwali night (November 4), according to the DPCC. Emissions from firecrackers and farm fires had pushed the capital's 24-hour average air quality index for the day after Diwali to 462, the highest in five years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Six months jail for bursting firecrackers in NCR on Diwali: Delhi environment minister

<p>In the mid 19th Century, when the persona of Santa Claus began to gain popularity in the United States, gifts became part of the imagery. Slowly, this trend grew, until in 1924, the department store Macy’s included a Santa in their Thanksgiving Parade and soon after Selfridges started decorating its shop front window for Christmas, urging customers to buy stuff around Christmas time.</p>

<p>Until then, Christmas had been a family function, not the crazy commercial shopping extravaganza that it has now grown into in the West. Over the past 100-odd years, gift giving has become a competitive, exhausting activity, so much so that the American mom fretting over lists of who gets what gift in the holiday season has become a cliché in popular entertainment.</p>

<p>Commercialisation of Christmas and the whole forced cheer of a Santa lookalike in every high street store is known to psychologically affect all the lonely people who do not feel so ho-ho-ho.</p>

<p>It led to the creation of the oxymoronic phrase “holiday season blues” to indicate how those who are single or are not able to be with their families, end up feeling lonely and depressed, watching the hyper celebrations of others.</p>

<p>The culture of conspicuous consumption is also leaving out all the poorer people of rich countries who cannot afford to go on a buying spree.</p>

<p>So the effects of this practice have implications for many sections of society.</p>

<p>But the governments of these countries are not interfering and ordering a trial ban on gift purchases or limiting gift buying to one weekend only during the holiday season. I am obviously drawing a parallel to our own courts intervening in how festivals should be celebrated.</p>

<p>In India, we have been told that not lighting crackers on Diwali is no big deal because crackers were not always there and got added on Diwali about a hundred years ago for commercial reasons by some Sivakasi businessmen.</p>

<p>Well, there are Mughal miniature paintings showing lighting of sparklers on Diwali and historical records that go back much further. If you check in any family, at least three generations will attest to having burst crackers on Diwali as children. That’s enough of a tradition, even if you don’t want to delve into history. In one fell swoop, being dismissive of a tradition that has endured all through living memory of most people, is disrespectful, to put it mildly.</p>

<p>So I get it that crackers are harmful to the environment. But I have to roll my eyes at this because everyday, on the road I see at least one auto, two-wheeler, tempos or truck spewing black exhaust with impunity right on the face of the car behind and whizz past.</p>

<p>We have to slow down and let the offender pass in order to avoid the toxic cloud. In the construction frenzy that prevails in NCR throughout the year, dust clouds are always rising around the whizzing cement churner and JCB when one passes any under-construction building of which there are hundreds around Delhi.</p>

<p>These are perineal sources of air pollution while crackers happen for a few hours annually. Are crackers the main culprit or are the people who find a few hours of pleasure in them, ie, typically children celebrating Diwali, just easy prey to impose rules on?</p>

<p>An activist for air quality has been quoted saying crackers were “low hanging fruit”. That’s another word for soft targets. The high hanging fruit —those in the construction business or truck owners or stubble-burning farmers who are potential vote banks — are too prickly to be touched.</p>

<p>How about cigarette smoke? Tobacco smoke particles and outdoor PM2.5 pollution share some similar chemical compounds and have a similar role in cancer causation.</p>

<p>A controlled experiment in Italy found that fine particulate matter emitted by cigarettes is 10 times greater than diesel car exhaust. But who can dare to say that cigarettes can only be smoked for a few hours, as specified by the court, to help reduce air pollution?</p>

<p>Yes, crackers add to air pollution. But there are bigger fish in the sea who are the main wrongdoers! No one is meddling with them because there are powerful lobbies, money and vote banks involved. Crackers are a lesser evil, but they are being targeted because their users are children and families who will meekly comply.</p>

<p>It is this bias that jars. It is a bit like the income tax department threatening small entrepreneurs and white collared workers while beer barons and diamond czars have flown the coop.</p>

<p>The nanny State interfering in all aspects of life is anyway pointless. Everywhere one hears people asking “But how are they going to ensure no one lights a cracker after 10 pm? Is the police coming to each verandah to check?”<br />
<br />
<em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-cracker-regulations-aimed-at-soft-targets-not-powerful-lobbies-2682707">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In the mid 19th Century, when the persona of Santa Claus began to gain popularity in the United States, gifts became part of the imagery. Slowly, this trend grew, until in 1924, the department store Macy’s included a Santa in their Thanksgiving Parade and soon after Selfridges started decorating its shop front window for Christmas, urging customers to buy stuff around Christmas time.

In the mid 19th Century, when the persona of Santa Claus began to gain popularity in the United States, gifts became part of the imagery. Slowly, this trend grew, until in 1924, the department store Macy’s included a Santa in their Thanksgiving Parade and soon after Selfridges started decorating its shop front window for Christmas, urging customers to buy stuff around Christmas time. Until then, Christmas had been a family function, not the crazy commercial shopping extravaganza that it has now grown into in the West. Over the past 100-odd years, gift giving has become a competitive, exhausting activity, so much so that the American mom fretting over lists of who gets what gift in the holiday season has become a cliché in popular entertainment. Commercialisation of Christmas and the whole forced cheer of a Santa lookalike in every high street store is known to psychologically affect all the lonely people who do not feel so ho-ho-ho. It led to the creation of the oxymoronic phrase “holiday season blues” to indicate how those who are single or are not able to be with their families, end up feeling lonely and depressed, watching the hyper celebrations of others. The culture of conspicuous consumption is also leaving out all the poorer people of rich countries who cannot afford to go on a buying spree. So the effects of this practice have implications for many sections of society. But the governments of these countries are not interfering and ordering a trial ban on gift purchases or limiting gift buying to one weekend only during the holiday season. I am obviously drawing a parallel to our own courts intervening in how festivals should be celebrated. In India, we have been told that not lighting crackers on Diwali is no big deal because crackers were not always there and got added on Diwali about a hundred years ago for commercial reasons by some Sivakasi businessmen. Well, there are Mughal miniature paintings showing lighting of sparklers on Diwali and historical records that go back much further. If you check in any family, at least three generations will attest to having burst crackers on Diwali as children. That’s enough of a tradition, even if you don’t want to delve into history. In one fell swoop, being dismissive of a tradition that has endured all through living memory of most people, is disrespectful, to put it mildly. So I get it that crackers are harmful to the environment. But I have to roll my eyes at this because everyday, on the road I see at least one auto, two-wheeler, tempos or truck spewing black exhaust with impunity right on the face of the car behind and whizz past. We have to slow down and let the offender pass in order to avoid the toxic cloud. In the construction frenzy that prevails in NCR throughout the year, dust clouds are always rising around the whizzing cement churner and JCB when one passes any under-construction building of which there are hundreds around Delhi. These are perineal sources of air pollution while crackers happen for a few hours annually. Are crackers the main culprit or are the people who find a few hours of pleasure in them, ie, typically children celebrating Diwali, just easy prey to impose rules on? An activist for air quality has been quoted saying crackers were “low hanging fruit”. That’s another word for soft targets. The high hanging fruit —those in the construction business or truck owners or stubble-burning farmers who are potential vote banks — are too prickly to be touched. How about cigarette smoke? Tobacco smoke particles and outdoor PM2.5 pollution share some similar chemical compounds and have a similar role in cancer causation. A controlled experiment in Italy found that fine particulate matter emitted by cigarettes is 10 times greater than diesel car exhaust. But who can dare to say that cigarettes can only be smoked for a few hours, as specified by the court, to help reduce air pollution? Yes, crackers add to air pollution. But there are bigger fish in the sea who are the main wrongdoers! No one is meddling with them because there are powerful lobbies, money and vote banks involved. Crackers are a lesser evil, but they are being targeted because their users are children and families who will meekly comply. It is this bias that jars. It is a bit like the income tax department threatening small entrepreneurs and white collared workers while beer barons and diamond czars have flown the coop. The nanny State interfering in all aspects of life is anyway pointless. Everywhere one hears people asking “But how are they going to ensure no one lights a cracker after 10 pm? Is the police coming to each verandah to check?” (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Cracker regulations aimed at soft targets, not powerful lobbies

<p>The Chhattisgarh government has ordered a ban on bursting fire crackers in six of its cities, including the state capital Raipur, ahead of the wedding season from December 1 to January 31.</p>

<p>The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board said the ban will be implemented every year during the period to curb pollution in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;The decision has been taken by the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board to control pollution and hence came up with the order of banning bursting of crackers in six big cities from December 1 to January 31 every year,&quot; said a statement by the Environment Conservation Board.</p>

<p>Besides Raipur, the other cities which have been banned from bursting firecrackers include Bilaspur, Bhilai, Durg, Raigarh and Korba. The decision was taken under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 by the state government.</p>

<p>Principal Secretary of the Environment Board Aman Singh Kumar, video conferencing with district collectors, police authorities, and prominent ministers and authorities, asserted that there will be a &quot;zero-tolerance policy&quot; against pollution and hence everyone should work together on it. &quot;Pollution increases in the state during winters due to the direction of the wind, which is why the decision was taken,&quot; the press release stated.</p>

<p>The decision comes in the wake of Chief Minister Raman Singh and PWD Minister Rajesh Munat`s orders to keep pollution levels under control. &quot;The initiatives taken by the chief minister to curb pollution has brought it under control,&quot; it added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Firecrackers have been banned in six cities, including the capital Raipur, from December 1 to January 31

The Chhattisgarh government has ordered a ban on bursting fire crackers in six of its cities, including the state capital Raipur, ahead of the wedding season from December 1 to January 31. The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board said the ban will be implemented every year during the period to curb pollution in the state. "The decision has been taken by the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board to control pollution and hence came up with the order of banning bursting of crackers in six big cities from December 1 to January 31 every year," said a statement by the Environment Conservation Board. Besides Raipur, the other cities which have been banned from bursting firecrackers include Bilaspur, Bhilai, Durg, Raigarh and Korba. The decision was taken under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 by the state government. Principal Secretary of the Environment Board Aman Singh Kumar, video conferencing with district collectors, police authorities, and prominent ministers and authorities, asserted that there will be a "zero-tolerance policy" against pollution and hence everyone should work together on it. "Pollution increases in the state during winters due to the direction of the wind, which is why the decision was taken," the press release stated. The decision comes in the wake of Chief Minister Raman Singh and PWD Minister Rajesh Munat`s orders to keep pollution levels under control. "The initiatives taken by the chief minister to curb pollution has brought it under control," it added.

Wedding season: Chhattisgarh bans firecrackers in six cities

<p>The Supreme Court is to hear a&nbsp;plea seeking &#39;complete ban&#39; on firecrackers in Delhi and NCR on&nbsp;Friday.</p>

<p>A bench headed by&nbsp;Justice A K Sikri&nbsp;on October 6&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-bans-sale-of-firecrackers-in-delhi-ncr-this-diwali-21145">banned the sale of firecrackers </a>in the national capital till November 1, 2017.</p>

<p>In a plea filed in the apex court on October 27,&nbsp;Arjun Gopal sought the ban on firecrackers&nbsp;beyond November 1.</p>

<p>The court in its earlier order stated that&nbsp;lifting the ban on the sale of firecrackers might require a &quot;review&quot; after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival - which is set for today.</p>

<p>Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayanan, appearing for Gopal, had earlier contended before the court that ban on the use of firecrackers&nbsp;should be restored as the NCR had witnessed a huge rise in air pollution during and after Diwali last year.</p>


The impact of ban on the pollution level in the capital remains a bone of contention among experts

The Supreme Court is to hear a plea seeking 'complete ban' on firecrackers in Delhi and NCR on Friday. A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri on October 6 banned the sale of firecrackers in the national capital till November 1, 2017. In a plea filed in the apex court on October 27, Arjun Gopal sought the ban on firecrackers beyond November 1. The court in its earlier order stated that lifting the ban on the sale of firecrackers might require a "review" after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival - which is set for today. Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayanan, appearing for Gopal, had earlier contended before the court that ban on the use of firecrackers should be restored as the NCR had witnessed a huge rise in air pollution during and after Diwali last year.

Supreme Court to hear plea seeking 'complete ban'  on firecrackers today

<p>Over 1,200 kg of firecrackers have been seized and 29 people arrested by police as part of a drive being carried out after the Supreme Court order temporarily banning the sale of firecrackers.</p>

<p>After the Supreme Court order, Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik had directed the deputy commissioners of police of the 13 police districts to ensure that crackers are not sold in the city.</p>

<p>Special teams have been deployed in districts to monitor the situation.</p>

<p>In the crackdown, following the Supreme Court order, the police have seized 1,241 kilogrammes of firecrackers and registered 29 FIRs and arrested 29 people, said Madhur Verma, PRO, Delhi Police.</p>

<p>According to the data, eight cases have been registered in the north district against the people found selling firecrackers, the maximum among all the districts.</p>

<p>Police have seized 368 kilogrammes of firecrackers from the southwest district, the maximum among all districts with Rohini a close second at 344.5 kg.</p>

<p>Two Delhi Police personnel posted at the Mangolpuri police station in the outer district were suspended for allegedly failing to curb the sale of firecrackers in their beat areas.</p>


After the Supreme Court order, Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik had directed the deputy commissioners of police of the 13 police districts to ensure that crackers are not sold in the city.

Over 1,200 kg of firecrackers have been seized and 29 people arrested by police as part of a drive being carried out after the Supreme Court order temporarily banning the sale of firecrackers. After the Supreme Court order, Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik had directed the deputy commissioners of police of the 13 police districts to ensure that crackers are not sold in the city. Special teams have been deployed in districts to monitor the situation. In the crackdown, following the Supreme Court order, the police have seized 1,241 kilogrammes of firecrackers and registered 29 FIRs and arrested 29 people, said Madhur Verma, PRO, Delhi Police. According to the data, eight cases have been registered in the north district against the people found selling firecrackers, the maximum among all the districts. Police have seized 368 kilogrammes of firecrackers from the southwest district, the maximum among all districts with Rohini a close second at 344.5 kg. Two Delhi Police personnel posted at the Mangolpuri police station in the outer district were suspended for allegedly failing to curb the sale of firecrackers in their beat areas.

Over 1,200 kg firecrackers seized in Delhi, 29 arrested post Supreme Court ban

<p>The Supreme Court on Friday refused to modify its earlier order banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;court dismissed the plea of firecracker traders who had sought relaxation in the October 9 ban order and sought permission to sell crackers for at least a day or two before Diwali on October 19.</p>

<p>The court said it hasn&rsquo;t stopped people from celebrating the festival of lights. &quot;It&rsquo;s just an experiment for one year, we will take stock after that,&quot; Justice A K Sikri,&nbsp;who heard the case today, said.</p>

<p>The judge said its November 11, 2016 order suspending the licences &quot;should be given one chance to test itself&quot; to see if there is a positive effect of this, particularly during Diwali.</p>

<p>Justice Sikri also expressed anguish at people giving his order a communal angle.&nbsp;&quot;I am a very spiritual person but this is something different,&quot; Justice Sikri said.</p>

<p>The court had recently banned the sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1, dealing a body blow to the traders and businessmen dealing in them.</p>

<p>The court also said that the order passed by it last month, temporarily lifting the stay and allowing the sale of firecrackers, would be made effective only from November 1, 12 days after Diwali.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court passed the order on a petition asking for a ban on the the sale of firecrackers in the National Capital Region over alarming rise in pollution levels after Diwali.</p>

<p>After the order, the administration in Delhi and its nearby areas, which constitute the National Capital Region, has issued directives to the shopkeepers to stop selling firecrackers which make a lot of noise. The business community has raised concerns saying the order will adversely affect the sales in the festival season.</p>

<p>However, the administration has allowed those people who have already purchased firecrackers to burst them on October 19 (Diwali) during a stipulated time. The Gurugram authority has said that the bursting of firecrackers will be allowed between 6pm to 10pm.</p>


The court had recently banned the sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1, dealing a body blow to the traders and businessmen dealing in them.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to modify its earlier order banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The court dismissed the plea of firecracker traders who had sought relaxation in the October 9 ban order and sought permission to sell crackers for at least a day or two before Diwali on October 19. The court said it hasn’t stopped people from celebrating the festival of lights. "It’s just an experiment for one year, we will take stock after that," Justice A K Sikri, who heard the case today, said. The judge said its November 11, 2016 order suspending the licences "should be given one chance to test itself" to see if there is a positive effect of this, particularly during Diwali. Justice Sikri also expressed anguish at people giving his order a communal angle. "I am a very spiritual person but this is something different," Justice Sikri said. The court had recently banned the sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1, dealing a body blow to the traders and businessmen dealing in them. The court also said that the order passed by it last month, temporarily lifting the stay and allowing the sale of firecrackers, would be made effective only from November 1, 12 days after Diwali. The Supreme Court passed the order on a petition asking for a ban on the the sale of firecrackers in the National Capital Region over alarming rise in pollution levels after Diwali. After the order, the administration in Delhi and its nearby areas, which constitute the National Capital Region, has issued directives to the shopkeepers to stop selling firecrackers which make a lot of noise. The business community has raised concerns saying the order will adversely affect the sales in the festival season. However, the administration has allowed those people who have already purchased firecrackers to burst them on October 19 (Diwali) during a stipulated time. The Gurugram authority has said that the bursting of firecrackers will be allowed between 6pm to 10pm.

Supreme Court refuses to lift ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, says 'it's an experiment for 1 year'

<p>The city administration has allowed those residents who have brought Diwali firecrackers in advance to burn them between 6 pm to 10 pm on October 19.</p>

<p>Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh said the relaxation has been given to those who have bought crackers in advance.</p>

<p>&quot;We have framed certain guidelines for those who have already purchased crackers. They can burn them from 6 pm to 10 pm on October 19,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The administration has also imposed IPC section 144 (unlawful assembly) in the city, and asked the residents to burn the crackers 100 meters away from private and government hospitals, educational institutions, religious places and courts.</p>

<p>&quot;We have imposed a ban on those crackers that make a noise of more than 145 decibels. We have also directed the people not to use firecrackers within the radius of 500 meters from Indane bottling plant situated in Badshahpur and 100 meters away from fuel stations,&quot; Singh said.</p>

<p>The top court had recently banned the sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1, dealing a body blow to the traders and businessmen dealing in them.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner said the relaxation has been given to those who have bought crackers in advance

The city administration has allowed those residents who have brought Diwali firecrackers in advance to burn them between 6 pm to 10 pm on October 19. Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh said the relaxation has been given to those who have bought crackers in advance. "We have framed certain guidelines for those who have already purchased crackers. They can burn them from 6 pm to 10 pm on October 19," he said. The administration has also imposed IPC section 144 (unlawful assembly) in the city, and asked the residents to burn the crackers 100 meters away from private and government hospitals, educational institutions, religious places and courts. "We have imposed a ban on those crackers that make a noise of more than 145 decibels. We have also directed the people not to use firecrackers within the radius of 500 meters from Indane bottling plant situated in Badshahpur and 100 meters away from fuel stations," Singh said. The top court had recently banned the sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1, dealing a body blow to the traders and businessmen dealing in them.

Gurugram allows residents to burn crackers on Diwali

<p>One of the leading fashion designers of India, Masaba Gupta was at the centre of online trolling recently.</p>

<p>After Masaba retweeted a post praising Supreme Court&#39;s ban on fireworks in Delhi till, after Diwali, several users started abusing her online by calling her names like &quot;bastard child&quot; and questioning her legitimacy.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Yes! <a href="https://t.co/0JTbV8KAgd">https://t.co/0JTbV8KAgd</a></p>
&mdash; Masaba Mantena (@MasabaG) <a href="https://twitter.com/MasabaG/status/917261158507147264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Not one to mince words, she then wrote a letter on Instagram shutting the trolls in style.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her letter reads:&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>&quot;By calling me names like &#39;bastard child&#39; or &#39;illegitimate West Indian&#39; it only makes my chest swell with pride. I&#39;m the illegitimate product of two of the MOST legitimate personalities you&#39;ll find &amp; I&#39;ve made the best life, both personally and professionally... out of which I&#39;m proud of.&nbsp;My legitimacy comes from the work I do &amp; what my contribution to society has been. And you can try but you will not be able to raise a single finger on the either of the two.I am a proud Indo-Caribbean girl who doesn&#39;t know how to shrink &amp; crumble in shame of something you or your society cannot handle. It&#39;s just in my &#39;illegitimate&#39; genes.&quot;</em></p>

<p>This is the original post:</p>

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">&nbsp;</div>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BaIkWHEl2xy/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">For them &lsquo;bastard kids&rsquo;.??</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Masabs ?? (@masabagupta) on <time datetime="2017-10-12T04:04:00+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 11, 2017 at 9:04pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Soon after she shared the post, Masaba has been receiving great support from the Twitterati:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You tell &#39;em Masaba ! And there is no such thing as &#39;illegitimacy&#39;. If you exist you are &#39;legitimate&#39;. Nature has seen to that. ??????</p>
&mdash; Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Soni_Razdan/status/918329856034611206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">These trolls are sad people, Masaba. By ignoring them you take away the only power they have</p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/918344252983332865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love you Masaba.. you make us all damn proud <a href="https://t.co/aIrHc73au2">https://t.co/aIrHc73au2</a></p>
&mdash; Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor/status/918330821215260672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Masaba Gupta is the daughter of popular actor Neena Gupta and West Indian cricket legend Vivian Richards.</p>

<p>Neena Gupta never married Vivian and brought up Masaba as a single parent.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTVlOijFeFX/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#Repost @devikaheroor ??? Today with the absolutely delightful duo @masabagupta &amp; Neenaji? #events #beauty #makeupartist</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Masabs ?? (@masabagupta) on <time datetime="2017-04-26T05:42:05+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 25, 2017 at 10:42pm PDT</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSg2_d2D-kc/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Copy paste ????</a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Masaba is a popular fashion designer in India --famous for her quirky, comfortable and unconventional style of fashion

One of the leading fashion designers of India, Masaba Gupta was at the centre of online trolling recently. After Masaba retweeted a post praising Supreme Court's ban on fireworks in Delhi till, after Diwali, several users started abusing her online by calling her names like "bastard child" and questioning her legitimacy. Yes! https://t.co/0JTbV8KAgd — Masaba Mantena (@MasabaG) October 9, 2017 × Not one to mince words, she then wrote a letter on Instagram shutting the trolls in style. Her letter reads: "By calling me names like 'bastard child' or 'illegitimate West Indian' it only makes my chest swell with pride. I'm the illegitimate product of two of the MOST legitimate personalities you'll find & I've made the best life, both personally and professionally... out of which I'm proud of. My legitimacy comes from the work I do & what my contribution to society has been. And you can try but you will not be able to raise a single finger on the either of the two.I am a proud Indo-Caribbean girl who doesn't know how to shrink & crumble in shame of something you or your society cannot handle. It's just in my 'illegitimate' genes." This is the original post: For them ‘bastard kids’.?? A post shared by Masabs ?? (@masabagupta) on Oct 11, 2017 at 9:04pm PDT × Soon after she shared the post, Masaba has been receiving great support from the Twitterati: You tell 'em Masaba ! And there is no such thing as 'illegitimacy'. If you exist you are 'legitimate'. Nature has seen to that. ?????? — Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) October 12, 2017 × These trolls are sad people, Masaba. By ignoring them you take away the only power they have — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 12, 2017 × Love you Masaba.. you make us all damn proud https://t.co/aIrHc73au2 — Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) October 12, 2017 × Masaba Gupta is the daughter of popular actor Neena Gupta and West Indian cricket legend Vivian Richards. Neena Gupta never married Vivian and brought up Masaba as a single parent. #Repost @devikaheroor ??? Today with the absolutely delightful duo @masabagupta & Neenaji? #events #beauty #makeupartist A post shared by Masabs ?? (@masabagupta) on Apr 25, 2017 at 10:42pm PDT × Copy paste ???? A post shared by Masabs ?? (@masabagupta) on Apr 5, 2017 at 11:17am PDT ×

Trolls call Masaba 'bastard child', she hits back with a savage post

<p>&quot;One day will find Hindu cremation banned or someone filed petition to ban it on grounds of pollution,&quot; ANI reported the Tripura governor Tathagata Roy as saying on the firecracker ban.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One day will find Hindu cremation banned or someone filed petition to ban it on grounds of pollution: Tripura Guv Tathagata Roy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrackerBan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrackerBan</a> <a href="https://t.co/cKqjquGs0M">pic.twitter.com/cKqjquGs0M</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/917964546014400514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Supreme Court had on Tuesday banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi till November 1, saying they were polluting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air quality in Delhi, which is never very good, takes an alarming dip -- because of the firecrackers -- after Diwali.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Diwali this year falls on October 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chhattisgarh government has since the Supreme Court order also banned the use of high-decibel firecrackers during firecrackers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-government-bans-use-of-firecrackers-with-high-decibels-on-diwali-21260" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Chhattisgarh government bans use of firecrackers with high decibel levels on Diwali</a></p>


The Supreme Court had on Tuesday banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi till November 1, saying they were polluting

"One day will find Hindu cremation banned or someone filed petition to ban it on grounds of pollution," ANI reported the Tripura governor Tathagata Roy as saying on the firecracker ban. One day will find Hindu cremation banned or someone filed petition to ban it on grounds of pollution: Tripura Guv Tathagata Roy #CrackerBan pic.twitter.com/cKqjquGs0M — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2017 × The Supreme Court had on Tuesday banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi till November 1, saying they were polluting. The air quality in Delhi, which is never very good, takes an alarming dip -- because of the firecrackers -- after Diwali. Diwali this year falls on October 19. The Chhattisgarh government has since the Supreme Court order also banned the use of high-decibel firecrackers during firecrackers. Also read: Chhattisgarh government bans use of firecrackers with high decibel levels on Diwali

One day will find Hindu cremation banned: Tripura governor on firecracker ban

<p>India has a problem with pollution. Facts prove it. Our everyday life experience tells the same story. This is a problem not limited to one festival or one time of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India&#39;s pollution is a long-drawn pervasive affair that stems from a number of reasons, which include a high amount of traffic on Indian roads, particularly, vehicles using diesel. The dust on the roads is ubiquitous from the National Capital Region to muffasil towns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To add to the pollution problem, on the onset of winter, farmers burn of crop residues, clouding a vast swath of land across India.&nbsp; As we witnessed in the winter of 2016, across the states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, deep, almost, unpenetrable smog cloaked the region.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>The recent&nbsp; Supreme Court&#39;s judgement on banning the sale of firecrackers before Diwali is just touching the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp;</h5>
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<p>India&#39;s teeming population and upwardly mobile middle-class has brought about another pollution peril for the people of the nation. Innumerable construction sites have opened up in and around the cities of India; the nation&#39;s suburbs are in an ever-expansive mode. But all the dust, the sand, the wreckage has worsened the air quality to an abysmal level. The living spaces that we are creating are making the air unlivable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These amply illustrate the fact that pollution is a complicated issue in India. Thus, the recent&nbsp; Supreme Court&#39;s judgement on banning the sale of firecrackers before Diwali is just touching the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp; Banning pollutants, for a day or a week, will not reduce the grievous nature of the situation. It is not a long-term step and, hence, it will fail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are more layers to the issue which the supporters of the ban are conveniently ignoring. For instance, we are taking recourse to the Supreme Court&#39;s verdict on all issues, ranging from Triple Talaq to cracker ban. This is not a&nbsp; good practise in a democracy where such decisions need to come from concerned agencies. In this case, it should have been the National Pollution Control Board.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>Are we facing a future when all these civic bodies become defunct and the courts of India become colossally burdened with the responsibility of taking decisions on debatable matters?</h5>
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<p>Sustained by the public exchequer, these bodies have failed to live up to their public duties. Are we facing a future when all these civic bodies become defunct and the courts of India become colossally burdened with the responsibility of taking decisions on debatable matters?</p>

<p>If we really want to have a long-term impact on the pollution level, we need to take some tougher measures, such as ban the sale of diesel, which is used by both big and small vehicles, from truck to auto rickshaws. But this, evidently, is not an easy feat to achieve. The initial ban on 2000 cc diesel vehicle was later withdrawn when the diesel car lobby got into action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also imperative that we start decongesting cities and start developing public transport. More cars mean more pollution.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>While we ban crackers on Diwali, we conveniently forget the pollution created by animal sacrifice.</h5>
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<p>While we ban crackers on Diwali, we conveniently forget the pollution created by animal sacrifice. The Court has so far refused to ban animal sacrifice by all religious communities. Figures from Lucknow alone shows that in the last Bakrid, 5 lakh animals were sacrificed. 5-7 kg of waste is generated by killing a small animal, whereas, around 25 kg waste is generated after killing a big animal. The pollution these religious rituals -- Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Eid -- create involves huge wastage of precious water resources too. After all,&nbsp; water is needed to wash off the blood and the rest of the body waste is dumped in the drain or somewhere.</p>

<p>Thus, if we need a pollution free India, we have to look beyond knee-jerk reaction and go for a comprehensive solution. What the Supreme Court presently gives is no futuristic plan. The abetting pollution keeps on playing with our lives and, worst, we leave an insecure future for our kids. As a parent that is my biggest problem with the verdict.</p>


In banning firecracker, what we got from the Supreme Court of India is a knee-jerk reaction and not a comprehensive solution for the pollution plaguing India

India has a problem with pollution. Facts prove it. Our everyday life experience tells the same story. This is a problem not limited to one festival or one time of the year. India's pollution is a long-drawn pervasive affair that stems from a number of reasons, which include a high amount of traffic on Indian roads, particularly, vehicles using diesel. The dust on the roads is ubiquitous from the National Capital Region to muffasil towns. To add to the pollution problem, on the onset of winter, farmers burn of crop residues, clouding a vast swath of land across India. As we witnessed in the winter of 2016, across the states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, deep, almost, unpenetrable smog cloaked the region. The recent Supreme Court's judgement on banning the sale of firecrackers before Diwali is just touching the tip of the iceberg. × India's teeming population and upwardly mobile middle-class has brought about another pollution peril for the people of the nation. Innumerable construction sites have opened up in and around the cities of India; the nation's suburbs are in an ever-expansive mode. But all the dust, the sand, the wreckage has worsened the air quality to an abysmal level. The living spaces that we are creating are making the air unlivable. These amply illustrate the fact that pollution is a complicated issue in India. Thus, the recent Supreme Court's judgement on banning the sale of firecrackers before Diwali is just touching the tip of the iceberg. Banning pollutants, for a day or a week, will not reduce the grievous nature of the situation. It is not a long-term step and, hence, it will fail. There are more layers to the issue which the supporters of the ban are conveniently ignoring. For instance, we are taking recourse to the Supreme Court's verdict on all issues, ranging from Triple Talaq to cracker ban. This is not a good practise in a democracy where such decisions need to come from concerned agencies. In this case, it should have been the National Pollution Control Board. Are we facing a future when all these civic bodies become defunct and the courts of India become colossally burdened with the responsibility of taking decisions on debatable matters? × Sustained by the public exchequer, these bodies have failed to live up to their public duties. Are we facing a future when all these civic bodies become defunct and the courts of India become colossally burdened with the responsibility of taking decisions on debatable matters? If we really want to have a long-term impact on the pollution level, we need to take some tougher measures, such as ban the sale of diesel, which is used by both big and small vehicles, from truck to auto rickshaws. But this, evidently, is not an easy feat to achieve. The initial ban on 2000 cc diesel vehicle was later withdrawn when the diesel car lobby got into action. It is also imperative that we start decongesting cities and start developing public transport. More cars mean more pollution. While we ban crackers on Diwali, we conveniently forget the pollution created by animal sacrifice. × While we ban crackers on Diwali, we conveniently forget the pollution created by animal sacrifice. The Court has so far refused to ban animal sacrifice by all religious communities. Figures from Lucknow alone shows that in the last Bakrid, 5 lakh animals were sacrificed. 5-7 kg of waste is generated by killing a small animal, whereas, around 25 kg waste is generated after killing a big animal. The pollution these religious rituals -- Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Eid -- create involves huge wastage of precious water resources too. After all, water is needed to wash off the blood and the rest of the body waste is dumped in the drain or somewhere. Thus, if we need a pollution free India, we have to look beyond knee-jerk reaction and go for a comprehensive solution. What the Supreme Court presently gives is no futuristic plan. The abetting pollution keeps on playing with our lives and, worst, we leave an insecure future for our kids. As a parent that is my biggest problem with the verdict.

Firecracker ban: As a parent my biggest worry

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