CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi. The Supreme Court has suggested taking the help of prominent personalities to run an awareness campaign on air pollution in Delhi-NCR and the use of firecrackers during Diwali. The court said people could be encouraged to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers through popular sportspersons such as cricketer Virat Kohli and respected members of society. It said awareness messages needed to be broadcast on television, in newspapers and through other platforms.
A bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale was hearing a matter related to restrictions on the use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR and air pollution. The court said orders are issued every year, but they are not effectively implemented on the ground. In such a situation, new and practical methods will have to be adopted to tackle pollution.
During the hearing, the court also stressed the need to make children aware of the harmful effects of pollution. The bench was of the view that if children are made to understand the damage caused by firecrackers, they can also encourage their families to celebrate the festival in a safe and environment-friendly manner.
In the matter, the amicus curiae referred to deaths in India due to air pollution and, on the basis of the State of Global Air 2025 report, placed before the court a figure of about 20.1 lakh deaths. This figure was part of the facts submitted to the court by the amicus curiae.
The court also sought information from the government and the authorities concerned on compliance with the restrictions applicable to firecrackers. The bench asked how many inspections had been carried out by monitoring teams, where action had been taken and what steps had been taken against those violating the rules. The court made it clear that merely issuing orders is not enough; their effective implementation is also necessary.
The Supreme Court did not immediately take a position in favour of imposing a complete ban on firecrackers, but said strict action was needed in cases of violation of the rules. The bench reserved its order in the matter.
Hashtags: #DelhiState #Delhi #Firecrackers #Diwali #ViratKohli #SupremeCourt #DelhiNCR #AirPollution #ViratKohliAppealFor #पटाखों
