Delhi's Diwali Dilemma: Green Firecrackers — A Breath of Hope Amidst Pollution Concerns?

As the festive season approaches, Delhi finds itself at a familiar crossroads: the joy of Diwali celebrations clashing with the grim reality of air pollution. This year, the Delhi government is making a pivotal move, planning to approach the Supreme Court with an urgent plea: to permit the use of 'green' firecrackers.

This initiative comes just ahead of the apex court's hearing on October 26, where a comprehensive ban on firecrackers across Delhi-NCR is expected to be considered.

The government's stance is clear: while committed to public health, it also acknowledges the cultural significance of firecrackers during Diwali and aims to strike a delicate balance.

According to a senior official, the government is poised to submit an affidavit, proposing a nuanced approach.

Instead of a blanket ban, they advocate for allowing environmentally friendly firecrackers, which release significantly fewer pollutants compared to traditional ones. This suggestion mirrors the court's earlier observation in 2021, when it noted that a complete ban on firecrackers might not be the solution to Delhi's severe air pollution crisis, which is primarily driven by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and stubble burning.

The plea is rooted in the belief that banning only firecrackers, while other major pollution sources persist, might unfairly target a cultural tradition without effectively addressing the core problem.

The Supreme Court had previously highlighted that the actual problem is a lack of effective monitoring and enforcement rather than the existence of firecrackers themselves. It questioned if the state machinery was genuinely working to ensure the use of only green firecrackers.

The push for green firecrackers is not new.

Back in 2018, the Supreme Court had already given its nod for their use, along with restricting bursting times to specific windows during festivals. However, the subsequent years saw stricter interpretations and, at times, de facto bans, driven by escalating pollution levels.

Now, with Diwali drawing near and the air quality already a pressing concern, the Delhi government's appeal represents a hopeful attempt to bridge the gap between tradition and environmental responsibility.

Will the Supreme Court find merit in this renewed push for a greener, yet still vibrant, Diwali celebration? All eyes will be on the October 26 hearing.