Supreme Court Considers Relaxing Firecracker Ban

The Supreme Court of India in 2025 is reviewing the decade-old ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The court is considering a trial relaxation to balance public health and cultural traditions. This comes amid ongoing concerns about air pollution spikes during festivals like Diwali. The court’s earlier rulings have aimed to reduce harmful emissions by allowing only ‘green crackers’. However, enforcement has been inconsistent and pollution remains a serious health risk.

Background of Firecracker Regulations

The legal battle began in 2015 when infants petitioned the Supreme Court for protection from air pollution caused by firecrackers. In 2018, the court banned conventional crackers and permitted only green variants with reduced emissions. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a strict ban during Diwali from 2020 onwards. Despite these orders, illegal sales and bursting of firecrackers have continued, worsening Delhi’s air quality annually.

Green Crackers and Their Impact

Green crackers were developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to emit 30-40% less particulate matter and harmful gases. They also produce less noise pollution. However, studies indicate green crackers still release ultrafine particles harmful to human health. Regulatory bodies like the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) vet their safety. Yet, questions remain about their real-world effectiveness and health impacts.

Challenges in Enforcement

Enforcement agencies face difficulties controlling the sale and use of fireworks. Police raids have seized large quantities of banned crackers stored illegally. Despite bans, firecrackers are widely available in Delhi and neighbouring states. Monitoring compliance is hard due to understaffed agencies and complex supply chains. This has led to poor air quality on and after Diwali every year.

Health and Environmental Concerns

Air pollution caused by firecrackers contributes to severe health issues, especially in children. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often reaches ‘very poor’ levels during festivals. Research links thousands of annual deaths in Indian cities to short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Children’s developing lungs and immune systems make them particularly vulnerable to pollution-related diseases.

Economic and Social Dimensions

The firecracker industry employs over 900,000 people and was valued at more than Rs 4,800 crore in 2022. The ban has affected livelihoods in manufacturing hubs. Industry representatives urge the government to allow production of green crackers. Public sentiment is divided, with many citizens continuing to buy crackers despite restrictions. Cultural importance of firecrackers during festivals fuels resistance to bans.

Recent Developments and Court Proceedings

Recently, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to propose ways to ensure only green crackers are sold. The court has reserved its order on relaxing the ban after hearing stakeholders. The Delhi government supports allowing certified green crackers during Diwali. The Chief Justice emphasised that pollution-free air is a right for all citizens, not just the elite. The debate continues balancing health, environment, culture, and economy.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the major causes of air pollution in Indian metropolitan cities and estimate their impact on public health.
2. Critically analyse the role of judiciary in environmental governance with suitable examples from India’s firecracker regulation.
3. What are the challenges in enforcing environmental laws in urban India? How can technology and community participation improve compliance?
4. Underline the socio-economic implications of banning traditional industries in India and suggest policy measures to balance livelihood and sustainability.

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the major causes of air pollution in Indian metropolitan cities and estimate their impact on public health.

1. Major sources – vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, biomass burning, and firecrackers during festivals.
2. Firecrackers cause sharp spikes in particulate matter (PM2.5 and ultrafine particles), worsening air quality especially during Diwali.
3. Delhi and other metros often record ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ AQI, impacting respiratory and cardiovascular health.
4. Children are particularly vulnerable due to developing lungs and weaker immune systems.
5. Studies link short-term PM2.5 exposure to thousands of annual deaths in cities (e.g., ~12,000 in Delhi yearly).
6. Air pollution contributes to increased hospitalizations, chronic diseases, and reduced life expectancy.

2. Critically analyse the role of judiciary in environmental governance with suitable examples from India’s firecracker regulation.

1. Judiciary initiated action via 2015 infant petition, recognizing right to clean air as fundamental.
2. Supreme Court banned conventional crackers (2018) and allowed only green crackers with restricted timings.
3. National Green Tribunal imposed absolute ban during Diwali (2020 onwards) to curb pollution spikes.
4. Repeated judicial interventions reflect active environmental governance but enforcement remains weak.
5. Judiciary balanced environmental protection with cultural sentiments, e.g., permitting green crackers on trial basis.
6. Challenges include monitoring compliance and addressing socio-economic impacts of bans.

3. What are the challenges in enforcing environmental laws in urban India? How can technology and community participation improve compliance?

1. Challenges – understaffed enforcement agencies, illegal manufacturing and sale, complex supply chains, and public resistance.
2. Inadequate monitoring and verification of green cracker compliance leads to market confusion.
3. Technology can help via real-time air quality monitoring, digital licensing, and blockchain for supply chain transparency.
4. Mobile apps and social media can enable community reporting of violations.
5. Community participation raises awareness, encourages voluntary compliance, and supports grassroots enforcement.
6. Collaborative efforts between government, NGOs, and citizens enhance law enforcement effectiveness.

4. Underline the socio-economic implications of banning traditional industries in India and suggest policy measures to balance livelihood and sustainability.

1. Firecracker industry employs over 900,000 people and is worth Rs 4,800 crore, supporting many families.
2. Bans lead to job losses, economic hardship, and disruption of traditional livelihoods.
3. Resistance from communities due to cultural importance and economic dependency.
4. Policy measures – promote sustainable alternatives (e.g., green crackers), skill development, and diversification of employment.
5. Government support via subsidies, financial aid, and ease of licensing for green cracker manufacturing.
6. Integrated approach balancing environmental goals with socio-economic welfare ensures inclusive sustainability.