Indian Government Doesn't Want to Ban Diwali Firecrackers

The Indian government has told the Supreme Court that it's not in favor of putting a blanket on crackers on Diwali. While replying to a public interest litigation seeking a complete ban on crackers during the festival, the central government said that guidelines on the issue already exist.

The existing ruling allows bursting of crackers from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. Now, the apex court will hear the matter on October 28, 2015. Arjun Gopal, Aarav Bhandari and Zoya Rao Bhasin, all aged between 6 and 14 months, had filed a petition seeking immediate steps to curb Delhi's fatal air pollution including ban on fire crackers on Diwali.

Taking the request into consideration, a bench headed by chief justice HL Dattu sought responses on the issue from the Delhi government, Delhi Pollution Control Board and the Center by October 16.

The petition demands a total ban on the use of firecrackers, sparklers, and explosives during festivals. They have also sought an interim order banning the use of firecrackers before the ensuing Diwali.

Appearing for the infants, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal had said that the Delhi government had Rs 387 crore to combat pollution, but about 87% of the funds lie unused.



Source: Medindia