New Delhi, 06 November (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Friday observed that the initiative to promote clean air during Diwali and other festivals should be transformed into a people’s movement. It emphasised that pollution during festive occasions cannot be controlled solely through court orders or the deployment of police personnel.

The observation came during the hearing of a suo motu case concerning rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asked the Delhi Government and other concerned authorities to actively involve local municipal councillors so that they could appeal to residents not to burst pollution-causing firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali celebrations.

The court stressed that protecting the environment is not merely the responsibility of governments; every citizen must contribute to this effort. It observed that meaningful change on the ground would remain difficult unless people themselves became aware of the consequences of pollution and voluntarily gave up practices that contribute to it.

The Supreme Court also recalled that air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorates sharply during the winter months, making the air extremely toxic. Children, senior citizens and people suffering from illnesses are particularly vulnerable, often facing serious breathing difficulties. The court observed that the joy of festivals should not come at the cost of other people's health. It expressed hope that collective efforts by public representatives and citizens would pave the way for a new tradition of pollution-free and safe celebrations in the coming years.

Earlier, on November 2, the Supreme Court had conditionally relaxed the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR for two days during Diwali. The court had permitted the bursting of certified green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, between 6 am and 7 am and again from 8 pm to 10 pm. Diwali will be celebrated on November 8 this year.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar