During Diwali, despite a clear ban ordered by the court, firecrackers were reportedly burst throughout Delhi, prompting a stern response from the Supreme Court. Taking suo moto cognizance, the court criticized the Delhi government and police for failing to enforce the ban. “We must take measures to ensure that next year’s Diwali does not see a repeat of this violation,” the court stated.
Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih, citing media reports, stressed the need for stringent actions such as sealing premises to enforce the ban effectively. The court has demanded a report from the Delhi government and the Police Commissioner within a week on the steps taken to implement the ban. The next hearing is scheduled for November 14.
During the hearing, the amicus curiae highlighted that fire incidents in fields tend to spike during Diwali. “On the day before Diwali, 160 field fires were reported, which soared to 605 on Diwali day, increasing pollution levels from 10% to nearly 30%,” they reported. The court also asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to report by November 14 on the increase in stubble burning and field fires during the last ten days of October.
The court also instructed the Delhi government to clarify whether any field fires occurred within the state’s boundaries when submitting their affidavit.
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai attributed the rising air pollution levels to low wind speeds. “With the drop in temperature, the city is experiencing lower air pressure, which is elevating pollution levels,” Rai explained. He added that the government is actively working to address this and mentioned that the central government would convene a meeting to discuss the use of artificial rain to mitigate pollution.
