New Delhi, April 3 (HS): The ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR will remain in effect. The Supreme Court has upheld the complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The Supreme Court has instructed the states in NCR to take effective measures to enforce the ban on firecrackers. The Supreme Court stated that there is no justification for modifying the previous ban order until it is proven that green firecrackers cause negligible pollution.

In a report presented to the court by the Central Pollution Control Board, NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), and CSIR, it was stated that green firecrackers cause 30% less pollution compared to other firecrackers. In light of this report, firecracker manufacturing companies had demanded concessions. The Supreme Court reiterated that until it is proven that green firecrackers cause negligible pollution, there is no justification for altering the previous ban order.

During the case hearing on Thursday, Mukesh Jain appeared personally and sought to speak, which the court allowed. He opposed the firecracker ban, arguing it is unreasonable and claims firecrackers purify the atmosphere, suggesting the ban is part of an international conspiracy. When questioned by Justice Oka about his expertise, Jain claimed to be an IIT-educated engineer. He made serious allegations against environmentalist M.C. Mehta, accusing him of receiving anti-national funding. The court noted Jain's lack of awareness about Mehta's contributions and warned him instead of imposing a fine.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar