Consideration of banning fireworks during November 7-30

(PTI) New Delhi, Ta. Monday, November 2, 2020

The National Green Tribunal has sent notices to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and four state governments seeking to know whether fireworks should be banned between November 7-30 in the interest of public health and the environment.

The presiding judge of the tribunal, Justice A.K. A bench headed by Goyal sought the response of the Delhi government, Haryana government, Uttar Pradesh government and Rajasthan government besides the environment and forest ministry on the notice. The tribunal has also asked the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Delhi Police Commissioner to respond.

The Green Tribunal has appointed senior legislator Raj Panjwani and legislator Shivani Ghoni to assist in the matter. The tribunal is hearing a petition filed by Indian Social Responsibility Network through Santosh Gupta.

The petition seeks action against pollution caused by the use of fireworks at a time when air quality in the NCR (National Capital Region) area is unsatisfactory with fears of spreading corona infestation.

The petition cites a statement by the Union Health Minister and the Delhi Health Minister stating that air pollution during the festivals would lead to an increase in corona cases. The use of green fireworks will not alleviate the worrying situation, the petition added.