Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1. He appealed to everyone to help control pollution sources.

The city's air quality has reached the 'poor' category, prompting the government to take action. Rai said, "We cannot change the weather, but we are trying to reduce pollution sources."

"We have imposed a ban on firecrackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a directive today. From now until January 1, there will be a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers within Delhi. We appeal to everyone that every little bit contributes to the ocean. If we all work together to control the sources of pollution, the quality of life for Delhi's residents will&nbsp; improve," the Environment Minister told ANI.

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In response to increasing pollution levels in Delhi during the winter season, the minister announced the escalation of an anti-dust campaign across the city. "In Delhi, during the winter season, when the air becomes still, it stops raining, and the temperature drops, pollution levels rise," he explained. The campaign began on October 7, and since then, surprise inspections have revealed that many construction sites are not following regulations, leading to dust pollution.

On Monday, the campaign intensified, with inspection operations starting in various locations. 
 
Rai visited Pritam Pura, where a sports complex hostel is being built by Tevatia Construction Private Limited. He noted that compliance with regulations was minimal at the site, resulting in a Rs 50,000 fine being imposed on the company by the DPCC. As per Rai, the company has been given one week to comply with the regulations, and failure to do so will lead to increased penalties.

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Regarding previously imposed fines, Rai said, "Last time, we had imposed fines on certain individuals and given them a week to respond. That period ended yesterday. If they do not provide a response today and fail to comply with the regulations, stricter actions will be taken against them."

The minister addressed concerns about the recent decline in air quality. "The weather department's forecast suggests that temperatures will rapidly drop now. As the cold increases, the pollution particles in the atmosphere will settle lower," Rai said. He emphasised that to combat pollution, the government must focus on reducing pollution sources, including dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning.

"There is certainly one weapon: we need to reduce the sources. To this end, the government is advancing with 11 measures, and as needed, in emergency situations, the government will also move towards emergency measures," Rai said.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1. He appealed to everyone to help control pollution sources.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1. He appealed to everyone to help control pollution sources. The city's air quality has reached the 'poor' category, prompting the government to take action. Rai said, "We cannot change the weather, but we are trying to reduce pollution sources." "We have imposed a ban on firecrackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a directive today. From now until January 1, there will be a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers within Delhi. We appeal to everyone that every little bit contributes to the ocean. If we all work together to control the sources of pollution, the quality of life for Delhi's residents will improve," the Environment Minister told ANI. Also Read | Poland welcomes India joining UN peacekeeping joint statement In response to increasing pollution levels in Delhi during the winter season, the minister announced the escalation of an anti-dust campaign across the city. "In Delhi, during the winter season, when the air becomes still, it stops raining, and the temperature drops, pollution levels rise," he explained. The campaign began on October 7, and since then, surprise inspections have revealed that many construction sites are not following regulations, leading to dust pollution. On Monday, the campaign intensified, with inspection operations starting in various locations. Rai visited Pritam Pura, where a sports complex hostel is being built by Tevatia Construction Private Limited. He noted that compliance with regulations was minimal at the site, resulting in a Rs 50,000 fine being imposed on the company by the DPCC. As per Rai, the company has been given one week to comply with the regulations, and failure to do so will lead to increased penalties. Also Read | Chennai company gifts 28 cars including Mercedes Benz as Diwali gift to 'boost morale' of employees Regarding previously imposed fines, Rai said, "Last time, we had imposed fines on certain individuals and given them a week to respond. That period ended yesterday. If they do not provide a response today and fail to comply with the regulations, stricter actions will be taken against them." The minister addressed concerns about the recent decline in air quality. "The weather department's forecast suggests that temperatures will rapidly drop now. As the cold increases, the pollution particles in the atmosphere will settle lower," Rai said. He emphasised that to combat pollution, the government must focus on reducing pollution sources, including dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. "There is certainly one weapon: we need to reduce the sources. To this end, the government is advancing with 11 measures, and as needed, in emergency situations, the government will also move towards emergency measures," Rai said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Delhi bans firecrackers until January 1 to control pollution levels

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.

The court ordered the confiscation of illegally stored firecrackers and issued clear instructions prohibiting the bursting of firecrackers in religious places at unconventional times.

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"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.

<h2>Petition seeking ban&nbsp;</h2>

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.

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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.

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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;

(With inputs from agencies)

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

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (September 13), declined to meddle with the Delhi government's decision to ban the manufacture, storage, sale and bursting of firecrackers in the national capital.

BJP Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari told a bench of Justices AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh that a comprehensive ban has been imposed on firecrackers despite the court allowing bursting of green firecrackers.

"No, we are not going to interfere. Where the government has banned firecrackers, it means a complete ban. People's health is important. If you want to burst firecrackers, go to states where there is no ban," the bench told the counsel for Tiwari.

The counsel said his client being an MP was responsible towards his constituents and the court has itself allowed the bursting of green firecrackers.

"You should make the people understand that they should not burst firecrackers. Even you should not burst firecrackers during victory processions after elections. There are other ways of celebrating the victory," the bench told Tiwari, who is an MP from North East Delhi.

<h2>Delhi government's blanket ban on firecrackers</h2>

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and bursting of firecrackers in India's capital city on Monday (September 11).

Addressing a press conference on Monday in the Delhi secretariat, Rai said, “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has brought a comprehensive policy to bring down pollution levels in Delhi. The government is stepping up its preparations this year and in this sequence, the government has imposed a ban on crackers in Delhi this year.”

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“In this regard, DPCC has been instructed to issue necessary instructions to all concerned departments. Just as instructions have been given to impose a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi, similarly a ban should be imposed in the NCR states because the firecrackers burst in NCR have an adverse effect on the air of Delhi,” the minister added.

He further elucidated that the air quality worsens greatly, making it crucial to restrain the usage of firecrackers.

He said, “Pollution levels increase inside Delhi in winter. From January to August, the average AQI of Delhi has been quite low. AQI 45 was recorded in Delhi yesterday. But gradually in October, with the increase in winter, the atmosphere of Delhi becomes humid and particle matter starts accumulating here. In this, the pollution outside Delhi and inside Delhi makes the air here more polluted. On 23 October 2018, the Honorable Supreme Court permitted the manufacture and sale of only green crackers. But because of the increasing problem of pollution in 2019, on 1st December 2020, the NGT directed to impose a complete ban on all types of firecrackers if the AQI is in the poor and above category. Based on that, DPCC had imposed a complete ban on firecrackers in 2021. A complete ban was also imposed in 2022 and this year instructions have been given to impose a complete ban on all types of firecrackers.”

Gopal Rai said that on September 14th, a joint meeting involving 28 concerned departments will gather in order to frame a coordinated action plan against pollution.

“The meeting will include all senior representatives from the Environment Department, DPCC, MCD, NDMC, Cantonment Board, NHAI, Revenue, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Fire Services, DTC, DMRC, DIMTS, Horticulture, DSIIDC, GAD, Power Department, DDA, CPWD, PWD, Traffic Police, Education, Industry, Forest, I&amp;FC, UD, DUSIB, Transport Department, and Development Department etc. The major goal of this meeting is to create a coordinated action plan in the fight against Delhi's pollution. Based on the key points outlined in the Winter Action Plan, specific responsibilities will be given to various departments during the meeting scheduled for September 14,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Supreme Court on Wednesday (September 13), declined to meddle with the Delhi government's decision to ban the manufacture, storage, sale and bursting of firecrackers in the national capital.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (September 13), declined to meddle with the Delhi government's decision to ban the manufacture, storage, sale and bursting of firecrackers in the national capital. BJP Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari told a bench of Justices AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh that a comprehensive ban has been imposed on firecrackers despite the court allowing bursting of green firecrackers. "No, we are not going to interfere. Where the government has banned firecrackers, it means a complete ban. People's health is important. If you want to burst firecrackers, go to states where there is no ban," the bench told the counsel for Tiwari. The counsel said his client being an MP was responsible towards his constituents and the court has itself allowed the bursting of green firecrackers. "You should make the people understand that they should not burst firecrackers. Even you should not burst firecrackers during victory processions after elections. There are other ways of celebrating the victory," the bench told Tiwari, who is an MP from North East Delhi. Delhi government's blanket ban on firecrackers Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and bursting of firecrackers in India's capital city on Monday (September 11). Addressing a press conference on Monday in the Delhi secretariat, Rai said, “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has brought a comprehensive policy to bring down pollution levels in Delhi. The government is stepping up its preparations this year and in this sequence, the government has imposed a ban on crackers in Delhi this year.” Also read: India: Cow vigilante Monu Manesar arrested for 'inflammatory' social media posts amid murder investigations “In this regard, DPCC has been instructed to issue necessary instructions to all concerned departments. Just as instructions have been given to impose a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi, similarly a ban should be imposed in the NCR states because the firecrackers burst in NCR have an adverse effect on the air of Delhi,” the minister added. He further elucidated that the air quality worsens greatly, making it crucial to restrain the usage of firecrackers. He said, “Pollution levels increase inside Delhi in winter. From January to August, the average AQI of Delhi has been quite low. AQI 45 was recorded in Delhi yesterday. But gradually in October, with the increase in winter, the atmosphere of Delhi becomes humid and particle matter starts accumulating here. In this, the pollution outside Delhi and inside Delhi makes the air here more polluted. On 23 October 2018, the Honorable Supreme Court permitted the manufacture and sale of only green crackers. But because of the increasing problem of pollution in 2019, on 1st December 2020, the NGT directed to impose a complete ban on all types of firecrackers if the AQI is in the poor and above category. Based on that, DPCC had imposed a complete ban on firecrackers in 2021. A complete ban was also imposed in 2022 and this year instructions have been given to impose a complete ban on all types of firecrackers.” Gopal Rai said that on September 14th, a joint meeting involving 28 concerned departments will gather in order to frame a coordinated action plan against pollution. “The meeting will include all senior representatives from the Environment Department, DPCC, MCD, NDMC, Cantonment Board, NHAI, Revenue, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Fire Services, DTC, DMRC, DIMTS, Horticulture, DSIIDC, GAD, Power Department, DDA, CPWD, PWD, Traffic Police, Education, Industry, Forest, I&FC, UD, DUSIB, Transport Department, and Development Department etc. The major goal of this meeting is to create a coordinated action plan in the fight against Delhi's pollution. Based on the key points outlined in the Winter Action Plan, specific responsibilities will be given to various departments during the meeting scheduled for September 14,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Supreme Court refuses to interfere with Delhi government's ban on firecrackers

The National Green Tribunal Monday issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and four state governments on whether the use of firecrackers is banned from November 7-30 in the interest of public health and environment.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel sought response from MoEF, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Police Commissioner of Delhi and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The NGT also appointed senior advocate Raj Panjwani and advocate Shibhani Ghosh to assist it as amicus curiae in the matter.

The tribunal was hearing a plea by Indian Social Responsibility Network, filed through Santosh Gupta, seeking action against pollution by use of firecrackers in NCR during the time air quality is unsatisfactory with the potential of the severity of COVID-19 pandemic.

&nbsp;The application referred to the statement of the Union Health Minister and the Health Minister of Delhi that during the festive season there will be a rise of COVID-19 cases due to air pollution. Increased pollution may further affect vulnerable groups and increase the fatality rate.

COVID-19 cases in Delhi may go up to 15,000 per day, as against the current cases of about 5,000 per day.

"Use of green crackers will not remedy the situation. The smoke will choke and may create gas chamber like situation. It will lead to poor visibility, hazy conditions and asphyxia," the plea said.

The National Green Tribunal Monday issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and four state governments on whether the use of firecrackers is banned from November 7-30 in the interest of public health and environment.

The National Green Tribunal Monday issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and four state governments on whether the use of firecrackers is banned from November 7-30 in the interest of public health and environment. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel sought response from MoEF, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Police Commissioner of Delhi and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The NGT also appointed senior advocate Raj Panjwani and advocate Shibhani Ghosh to assist it as amicus curiae in the matter. The tribunal was hearing a plea by Indian Social Responsibility Network, filed through Santosh Gupta, seeking action against pollution by use of firecrackers in NCR during the time air quality is unsatisfactory with the potential of the severity of COVID-19 pandemic. The application referred to the statement of the Union Health Minister and the Health Minister of Delhi that during the festive season there will be a rise of COVID-19 cases due to air pollution. Increased pollution may further affect vulnerable groups and increase the fatality rate. COVID-19 cases in Delhi may go up to 15,000 per day, as against the current cases of about 5,000 per day. "Use of green crackers will not remedy the situation. The smoke will choke and may create gas chamber like situation. It will lead to poor visibility, hazy conditions and asphyxia," the plea said.

Air pollution: NGT notice to Centre to blanket ban firecrackers from November 7-30

A massive blast rocked North 24 Parganas district’s Naihati town amidst the detonation of seized firecrackers on Thursday.

Police officials from Barrackpore commissionerate had reached the riverbank of Ganges at Naihati town to detonate the seized firecrackers. But the impact of bomb detonation was so massive that two police vehicles were damaged and houses on the other side of the river – Chuchura in Hooghly district braced massive impact.

Houses situated kilometres away from the blast site saw massive impact with rooftops being damaged and glass window panes were shattered. Infuriated locals gheraoed Chandannagore Police Commissioner Humayun Kabir who reached the spot on either side to assess the situation.

On the other hand, site of the blast which falls under the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate limits left locals wondering what led to the massive blast.

On reaching the spot, Barrackpore Police Commissioner Manoj Verma said, “We are investigating the matter. We have been detonating firecrackers and explosives for the last three days. We did not face any trouble in the last two days. We will investigate what went wrong, it is difficult to comment now.”

On the other hand, BJP leaders including state president Dilip Ghosh demanded NIA enquiry into the incident.

This apart, the West Bengal Governor, Jagdeep Dhankhar took to Twitter and demanded a serious probe.&nbsp;

“The explosion leaves nothing to the imagination. It calls for a thorough probe in view of its seriousness, intensity and damage caused. Only expert investigation can unearth issues involved. This ominous development should be an eye-opener for law enforcing and regulatory regime in State,” he wrote on Twitter.

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The explosion leaves nothing to imagination. It calls for thorough probe in view of its seriousness, intensity and damage caused. Only expert investigation can unearth issues involved. This ominous development should be eye opener for law enforcing and regulatory regime in State. <a href="https://t.co/4mD0nHnkCg">pic.twitter.com/4mD0nHnkCg</a>
— Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jdhankhar1/status/1215268336105164801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A massive blast rocked North 24 Parganas district’s Naihati town amidst the detonation of seized firecrackers on Thursday. Police officials from Barrackpore commissionerate had reached the riverbank of Ganges at Naihati town to detonate the seized firecrackers.

A massive blast rocked North 24 Parganas district’s Naihati town amidst the detonation of seized firecrackers on Thursday. Police officials from Barrackpore commissionerate had reached the riverbank of Ganges at Naihati town to detonate the seized firecrackers. But the impact of bomb detonation was so massive that two police vehicles were damaged and houses on the other side of the river – Chuchura in Hooghly district braced massive impact. Houses situated kilometres away from the blast site saw massive impact with rooftops being damaged and glass window panes were shattered. Infuriated locals gheraoed Chandannagore Police Commissioner Humayun Kabir who reached the spot on either side to assess the situation. On the other hand, site of the blast which falls under the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate limits left locals wondering what led to the massive blast. On reaching the spot, Barrackpore Police Commissioner Manoj Verma said, “We are investigating the matter. We have been detonating firecrackers and explosives for the last three days. We did not face any trouble in the last two days. We will investigate what went wrong, it is difficult to comment now.” On the other hand, BJP leaders including state president Dilip Ghosh demanded NIA enquiry into the incident. This apart, the West Bengal Governor, Jagdeep Dhankhar took to Twitter and demanded a serious probe. “The explosion leaves nothing to the imagination. It calls for a thorough probe in view of its seriousness, intensity and damage caused. Only expert investigation can unearth issues involved. This ominous development should be an eye-opener for law enforcing and regulatory regime in State,” he wrote on Twitter. The explosion leaves nothing to imagination. It calls for thorough probe in view of its seriousness, intensity and damage caused. Only expert investigation can unearth issues involved. This ominous development should be eye opener for law enforcing and regulatory regime in State. pic.twitter.com/4mD0nHnkCg — Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) January 9, 2020 ×

West Bengal: Massive blast rocks Naihati town amidst detonation of firecrackers

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 <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-cracker-regulations-aimed-at-soft-targets-not-powerful-lobbies-2682707">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

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

The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that firecrackers other than green crackers will not be sold in the Delhi-NCR region this festival season.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said firecrackers already produced can be sold in this festival season only in other parts of the country.

In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and other southern states, firecrackers can be burst from 4 am-5 am and from 9 pm-10 pm during festivals, the apex court said.

It said its direction on community bursting of firecrackers will apply pan India for two hours.&nbsp;

Its directions on the ban on sale of firecrackers through e-commerce websites will apply pan India, the court said.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that firecrackers other than green crackers will not be sold in the Delhi-NCR region this festival season. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said firecrackers already produced can be sold in this festival season only in other parts of the country.

The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that firecrackers other than green crackers will not be sold in the Delhi-NCR region this festival season. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said firecrackers already produced can be sold in this festival season only in other parts of the country. In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and other southern states, firecrackers can be burst from 4 am-5 am and from 9 pm-10 pm during festivals, the apex court said. It said its direction on community bursting of firecrackers will apply pan India for two hours. Its directions on the ban on sale of firecrackers through e-commerce websites will apply pan India, the court said.

Firecrackers other than green crackers will not be sold in Delhi-NCR: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court said today that there would be no complete ban on firecrackers, adding that sale of firecrackers would be allowed only through licenses.

India's top court said the manufacture and&nbsp;sale of safe and green firecrackers would be&nbsp;allowed, reports said.

The Supreme Court, in its order, banned the online sale of firecrackers and put a stay on e-commerce portals from selling firecrackers.

Last year in October, the Supreme Court had ordered a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali as pollution peaked in the national capital.

Supreme Court had kept the ban in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh even after Diwali last year.

The court later said that its order lifting the ban on the sale of firecrackers might require a "review" after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court said today that there would be no complete ban on firecrackers, adding that sale of firecrackers would be allowed only through licenses. India's top court said the manufacture and sale of safe and green firecrackers would be allowed, reports said.

The Supreme Court said today that there would be no complete ban on firecrackers, adding that sale of firecrackers would be allowed only through licenses. India's top court said the manufacture and sale of safe and green firecrackers would be allowed, reports said. The Supreme Court, in its order, banned the online sale of firecrackers and put a stay on e-commerce portals from selling firecrackers. Last year in October, the Supreme Court had ordered a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali as pollution peaked in the national capital. Supreme Court had kept the ban in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh even after Diwali last year. The court later said that its order lifting the ban on the sale of firecrackers might require a "review" after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival.

No ban on sale of firecrackers during Diwali but online sales banned: Supreme Court

Supreme Court: No ban on sale of Firecrackers

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to lift the ban on firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

The court will now hear the case against on January 5.

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SC refuses to lift the ban on bursting of firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana &amp; Chandigarh, says it would hear the case against the ban on January 5.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941579213445898245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Supreme court had in October ordered a ban on the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali and even after Diwali in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh till the next hearing.

The ruling came in order to curb the rise in air pollution caused by burning of firecrackers&nbsp;after Diwali in Delhi.

The notice came in order to curb the rise in air pollution caused by burning of firecrackers, after Diwali in Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to lift the ban on firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The court will now hear the case against on January 5. SC refuses to lift the ban on bursting of firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh, says it would hear the case against the ban on January 5. — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2017 × The Supreme court had in October ordered a ban on the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali and even after Diwali in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh till the next hearing. The ruling came in order to curb the rise in air pollution caused by burning of firecrackers after Diwali in Delhi.

Supreme Court refuses to lift ban on firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh

Nibesh Yadav must hit the road by 8 am sharp. He checks his motorcycle for fuel, loads the day&#39;s orders on his outsized backpack and off he goes to make &quot;khushiyon ki home delivery&quot;. 
 
With Diwali only days away, this is the high season for online shopping and for delivery boys who traverse from one end of the city to the other dropping off everything, from eye pencils and evening dresses to mixer-grinders and mobile phones. 
 
Nibesh is among the thousands of delivery boys, who deliver up to 200 packages a day during peak shopping seasons, often for less than Rs 20 each. All the packages must be delivered by 8 pm. 
 
They are a familiar sight young men, in their 20s and 30s, with huge overloaded backpacks, climbing up and down floors, stepping into creaky lifts and wiping the sweat from their brows at red lights. 
 
With online portals offering irresistible Diwali sales, the delivery boys are on their toes, toiling for over 12 hours a day to ensure that the package you&#39;ve been waiting for reaches on time. 
 
&quot;It can be tough but this is what it is,&quot; said Nibesh with a philosophical shrug. 
 
Many are not directly employed by companies like Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra, but are &#39;outsourced partners&#39;, who come in handy during the festive season when the pressure to deliver is immense. 
 
Amazon, for instance, has 350 service partner nodes and 1,75,000 &#39;I Have Space&#39; store partners across the country. 
 
This is in addition to those directly employed at operational centres, said a company spokesperson. 
 
A Myntra insider added that the company deploys about 1,000 people to tide over the festive rush and also has a MENSA (Myntra Extended Network Through Store Activation) network of close to 2,000 stores across India to enable deliveries. 
 
While both Amazon and Myntra offer their benefits -- hospitalization and accident insurance, night shift allowance, fuel reimbursement, and provident fund -- to directly employed delivery personnel, these don&#39;t apply to &#39;store owners&#39; like Nibesh. Responses to Flipkart went unanswered. 
 
The hours are long, the money less. 
 
Nibesh said he has to pay for the vehicle and the fuel, and also bear the cost of any damage or loss of package. 
 
&quot;Amazon pays Rs 18 for the delivery of each packet, and Myntra and Jabong pay Rs 14,&quot; said Nibesh, who also delivers for Myntra and Jabong. 
 
He has employed another boy, and the two move around the city delivering over 100 packages on a regular day. This goes up to 200 packets during the festive rush. 
 
The packets are stuffed inside a big backpack, which itself weighs 1 kg. 
 
&quot;The bag ends up weighing something around 35-40 kg. We travel on our bikes and the backpacks on our shoulders make it difficult to balance, especially over speed-breakers. It increases the risk of accidents. There is also the danger of losing or damaging the packages,&quot; he said. 
 
In older residential colonies in the city, which do not have elevators, he has to carry the weight all the way up, sometimes five floors, and back. 
 
Praveen Kumar, another &#39;store&#39; owner who has been delivering in Delhi-NCR for over two years now, added that he makes two trips to and from his store every day, carrying 45- 50 packets every time. 
 
&quot;Sometimes the packets are too heavy, especially if there are shoes. So, I have to make two trips,&quot; he said. 
 
Managing time is crucial, because a delayed package can land delivery boys like Nibesh and Praveen in trouble. 
 
&quot;We must deliver all the packets for the day before 8 in the evening,&quot; Praveen said. 
 
Any delay in delivery, and the customer immediately shoots an email to the company. 
 
&quot;They do not understand that the delay is not on purpose. 
 
Sometimes it is the weather, other times it could be an accident or a tyre puncture,&quot; Nibesh said. 
 
Both lament the humiliating treatment meted out to them by customers. 
 
Sometimes, for instance, card machines provided by the companies don&#39;t function due to poor network. Some customers are kind enough to go to the ATM and get cash, most simply complain and shout at them. 
 
&quot;They are extremely disrespectful to us,&quot; said Nibesh. 
 
Customers celebrate, receiving and giving gifts, and portals rejoice at turnovers as another Diwali comes around.

Nibesh Yadav must hit the road by 8 am sharp. He checks his motorcycle for fuel, loads the day's orders on his outsized backpack and off he goes to make "khushiyon ki home delivery"

Nibesh Yadav must hit the road by 8 am sharp. He checks his motorcycle for fuel, loads the day's orders on his outsized backpack and off he goes to make "khushiyon ki home delivery". With Diwali only days away, this is the high season for online shopping and for delivery boys who traverse from one end of the city to the other dropping off everything, from eye pencils and evening dresses to mixer-grinders and mobile phones. Nibesh is among the thousands of delivery boys, who deliver up to 200 packages a day during peak shopping seasons, often for less than Rs 20 each. All the packages must be delivered by 8 pm. They are a familiar sight young men, in their 20s and 30s, with huge overloaded backpacks, climbing up and down floors, stepping into creaky lifts and wiping the sweat from their brows at red lights. With online portals offering irresistible Diwali sales, the delivery boys are on their toes, toiling for over 12 hours a day to ensure that the package you've been waiting for reaches on time. "It can be tough but this is what it is," said Nibesh with a philosophical shrug. Many are not directly employed by companies like Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra, but are 'outsourced partners', who come in handy during the festive season when the pressure to deliver is immense. Amazon, for instance, has 350 service partner nodes and 1,75,000 'I Have Space' store partners across the country. This is in addition to those directly employed at operational centres, said a company spokesperson. A Myntra insider added that the company deploys about 1,000 people to tide over the festive rush and also has a MENSA (Myntra Extended Network Through Store Activation) network of close to 2,000 stores across India to enable deliveries. While both Amazon and Myntra offer their benefits -- hospitalization and accident insurance, night shift allowance, fuel reimbursement, and provident fund -- to directly employed delivery personnel, these don't apply to 'store owners' like Nibesh. Responses to Flipkart went unanswered. The hours are long, the money less. Nibesh said he has to pay for the vehicle and the fuel, and also bear the cost of any damage or loss of package. "Amazon pays Rs 18 for the delivery of each packet, and Myntra and Jabong pay Rs 14," said Nibesh, who also delivers for Myntra and Jabong. He has employed another boy, and the two move around the city delivering over 100 packages on a regular day. This goes up to 200 packets during the festive rush. The packets are stuffed inside a big backpack, which itself weighs 1 kg. "The bag ends up weighing something around 35-40 kg. We travel on our bikes and the backpacks on our shoulders make it difficult to balance, especially over speed-breakers. It increases the risk of accidents. There is also the danger of losing or damaging the packages," he said. In older residential colonies in the city, which do not have elevators, he has to carry the weight all the way up, sometimes five floors, and back. Praveen Kumar, another 'store' owner who has been delivering in Delhi-NCR for over two years now, added that he makes two trips to and from his store every day, carrying 45- 50 packets every time. "Sometimes the packets are too heavy, especially if there are shoes. So, I have to make two trips," he said. Managing time is crucial, because a delayed package can land delivery boys like Nibesh and Praveen in trouble. "We must deliver all the packets for the day before 8 in the evening," Praveen said. Any delay in delivery, and the customer immediately shoots an email to the company. "They do not understand that the delay is not on purpose. Sometimes it is the weather, other times it could be an accident or a tyre puncture," Nibesh said. Both lament the humiliating treatment meted out to them by customers. Sometimes, for instance, card machines provided by the companies don't function due to poor network. Some customers are kind enough to go to the ATM and get cash, most simply complain and shout at them. "They are extremely disrespectful to us," said Nibesh. Customers celebrate, receiving and giving gifts, and portals rejoice at turnovers as another Diwali comes around.

Diwali deliveries: those who shoulder the festive burden

Modifying its 2016 order, the Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted its ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi but with conditions.

The top court has halved the number of licenses to be issued across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and said: &quot;more than 50 lakh crackers should be enough&quot;.

The Supreme Court had last year suspended the licenses of all firecracker sellers in Delhi and the NCR.

Today, it lifted its suspension of the permanent licenses already granted and put these licensees on notice for Dussehra and Diwali in 2018.

The court said that those granted licenses will be permitted to possess and sell only 50% of the quantity permitted in 2017 and it will substantially reduce over the next couple of years.

It has also asked the police to ensure that a 100-meter &quot;silent zone&quot; is observed around hospitals, courts, educational institutions and religious places.

The Supreme Court has also prohibited the transport of fireworks into Delhi and NCR from outside the region.

&quot;Concerned law enforcement authorities will ensure that there is no further entry of fireworks into Delhi and the NCR till further orders,&quot; the court said.

In November 2016, the top court had banned the sale of fire crackers in Delhi and NCR region after the pollution levels in the national capital shot up to alarming levels.

 
&nbsp;

The top court has halved the number of licenses to be issued across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and said 'more than 50 lakh crackers should be enough'

Modifying its 2016 order, the Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted its ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi but with conditions. The top court has halved the number of licenses to be issued across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and said: "more than 50 lakh crackers should be enough". The Supreme Court had last year suspended the licenses of all firecracker sellers in Delhi and the NCR. Today, it lifted its suspension of the permanent licenses already granted and put these licensees on notice for Dussehra and Diwali in 2018. The court said that those granted licenses will be permitted to possess and sell only 50% of the quantity permitted in 2017 and it will substantially reduce over the next couple of years. It has also asked the police to ensure that a 100-meter "silent zone" is observed around hospitals, courts, educational institutions and religious places. The Supreme Court has also prohibited the transport of fireworks into Delhi and NCR from outside the region. "Concerned law enforcement authorities will ensure that there is no further entry of fireworks into Delhi and the NCR till further orders," the court said. In November 2016, the top court had banned the sale of fire crackers in Delhi and NCR region after the pollution levels in the national capital shot up to alarming levels.

Top court lifts ban on sale of firecrackers in Delhi, halves licenses