National Green Tribunal seeks views on temporary ban on bursting firecrackers in Delhi-NCR

On Monday, vember 2, National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a tice to Environment Ministry, Delhi government, pollution control ncies, and neighbouring states, asking if firecracker us should be temporarily banned from vember 7 to vember 30 in a bid to prevent pollution and ensure safety for public.

Heed by chairperson Justice arsh Kumar Goel, NGT bench issued tice to Environment Ministry, Delhi government, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi government, Delhi Police, Haryana, Uttar Presh, and Rajasthan, asking m to reply by vember 5.

This came after NGT heard an application filed by Indian Social Responsibility Network through Santosh Gupta as linked use of firecrackers to Delhi-NCR's air pollution issue when air quality is alrey at a 'very poor' level and it also mentioned potential of worsening COVID-19 pandemic.

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Fireworks may worsen situation 

As per reports, NGT requested senior vocate Raj Panjwani and lawyer Shibhani Ghosh to assist tribunal as amicus on matter. applicant said, "Increased pollution may furr affect vulnerable groups and increase fatality rate. Covid cases in Delhi may go up to 15,000 per day, as against current cases of about 5,000 per day. use of green crackers will t remedy situation. smoke will choke and may create a gas chamber like situation. It will le to poor visibility, hazy conditions, and asphyxia."

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In its order, NGT ted, "Number of diseases may also increase. re are reports in public domain that air quality of Delhi is deteriorating and furr deterioration may give rise to an increase in Covid cases."  NGT emphasized how virus may impact negatively on health of children, elder citizens and or vulnerable people.

"It is well kwn that Gred Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been introduced envisaging prohibiting of polluting activities if air quality deteriorates. Air Quality Index (AQI) is reported to be averaging between 410 and 450 i.e. 'hazardous' category'," it ded. 

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(Im Credits: ANI/Unsplash)