On 9 October, Supreme Court banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi ahead of Diwali. The court has placed a ban on sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR till 31 October. This decision is taken due to pollution caused by smoke and chemicals released into the air. However, people are allowed to burst their crackers.There are multiple reactions about this decision. A part of society has welcomed this decision while the traders and sellers are highly disappointed with this decision of Supreme Court.
In support of Ban
Undoubtedly this decision of prohibiting the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR by Supreme Court is highly appreciated by doctors and environmentalists. Doctors said that the pollution affects various organs and make life really miserable in Delhi.
“We appreciate the Supreme Court’s decision on prohibition of firecrackers’ sale in Delhi-NCR. This may give some relief from the episodic air pollution levels in October. However, the pollution levels in north India are multiple times higher than the national standards throughout the winter months, hence, we also need to look at a stricter, comprehensive and time-bound action plan to address all sources of air pollution across the country,’’ noted Greenpeace India.
As a thick layer of smog mixed with dangerous chemicals engulfs the city, the air quality deteriorates drastically around Diwali. The levels are usually highest in the early mornings and late evenings. Morning joggers, schoolchildren, and elderly are more vulnerable to such highly toxic smog.
Even this problem intensifies in winters. The festival of Diwali comes in month of October or November which are followed by winters. Hence, Diwali and winter together cause much trouble.
Against the Ban
“It’s unfair and is infringement of our fundamental rights,” firecracker traders have voiced in unison, responding to the Supreme Court’s order to impose a temporary ban on the sale of crackers in Delhi and NCR.
Many traders said that his ban will lead to smuggle crackers from adjoining states to Delhi which will be sold illegally at higher prices.
As per the sources, around 50 lakh kg of fireworks were stocked in and around the National Capital Region. Sellers are upset as they have huge stock of firecrackers.
Writer Chetan Bhagat remarks on ban
Renowned writer Chetan Bhagat also tweeted,
“A full ban? What’s Diwali for children without crackers?”
He made this tweet after the court ruling. After this, he also tweeted,
“Can I just ask on cracker ban. Why only guts to do this for Hindu festivals? Banning goat sacrifice and Muharram bloodshed soon too?”
“Banning crackers on Diwali is like banning Christmas trees on Christmas and goats on Bakr-Eid. Regulate. Don’t ban. Respect traditions.”
These tweets by Chetan Bhagat made him again butt of ridicule. The following are the tweets came as a response to his tweet.
Politician Shashi Tharoor wrote,
“Your examples of practices integral to those observances; banning them would be like banning lamps onDiwali. Firecrackers are unholy add-ons”
Other tweets were:
“Hi Chetan would you rather have your children suffer respiratory disorders instead? Don’t force your idiotic fantasies reg Diwali to kids.”
“The problem with modern India is that elite education has been a failure to inculcate wisdom in people’s minds. Be wise before u tweet.”
