New Delhi: Expressing concern over the continuously worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court has linked the exchange of expensive gifts during Diwali and the growing movement of vehicles to pollution. During the hearing on Friday, Chief Justice Suryakant said the affluent class had turned the tradition of giving gifts on Diwali into a matter of social prestige and a status symbol. This leads to increased vehicular movement on the roads and adds to pollution. The court said social and cultural change was needed to deal with the problem.
The three-member Bench headed by the Chief Justice also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana. During the hearing, a lawyer suggested that it might be necessary to curb the tradition of giving gifts on Diwali to reduce pollution. In response, the Chief Justice said people would have to understand their original culture and responsibilities. Justice Bagchi also expressed concern over the growing commercialisation of festivals.
The court also made it clear that the livelihoods of the poor should not be affected in the name of pollution control. Diwali is an important time for earnings for small shopkeepers and stall operators who sell diyas and decorative items during the festival. The Bench said their role in the pollution problem should be viewed separately from the activities of the affluent class.
The hearing also discussed heavy traffic on Delhi-NCR roads, jams caused by toll plazas at the borders and vehicular emissions. The court said rules must be strictly enforced to stop the sale of banned firecrackers in the name of green firecrackers.
The central government informed the court about the steps taken for pollution control. The court said necessary directions would be issued after reviewing all reports and affidavits. The next hearing in the matter will be held on November 16, after the Diwali vacation.
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