NGT bans all firecrackers in Delhi NCR, cities with poor air quality from Nov 9 to Nov 30

The National Green Tribunal has imposed a "total ban against sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in the NCR from midnight of November, 9 - 10, 2020 to the midnight of November 30…"

The NGT has also directed that the same order will also apply to those cities and towns where the air quality during November falls under the poor and above category.

“The cities/towns where air quality is ‘moderate’ or below, only green crackers be sold and the timings for use and bursting of crackers be restricted to two hours during festivals, like Diwali, Chatt, New Year/Christmas Eve, etc., as may be specified by the concerned State,” the NGT order said.

The NGT has asked the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of all the States/UTs to issue and circulate an appropriate order in the above terms with appropriate enforcement guidelines to all the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police, PCBs/PCCs.

The decision has been taken due to the increased adverse health impact of pollution by the use of crackers on Covid-19.

Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, UT Chandigarh and Delhi have already imposed a ban in line with the NGT order.

The Tribunal is of the view that since air pollution aggravates Covid-19, not only crackers are to be banned/restricted depending upon air quality, all States, Union Territories, pollution control boards and committees must take special initiative to contain air pollution by regulating all other sources to pollution, particularly during Covid-19.

“No doubt pollution for crackers being seasonal source, particular focus is required thereon,” it said.