Firecrackers have been banned in Delhi after an apex court order last year. But the manufacturers are not backing down. Their counsel has said they’re not arguing that the ban is wrong, but that the window they were given was not long enough for them to comply with the law. They’ve also expressed concern over the safety of the people, as firecrackers require barium salt, which is banned for other fireworks.
Discrimination against firecrackers
The ban on the sale of firecrackers in some areas of Bengaluru has triggered a legal battle between cracker manufacturers and the government. The ban has been argued to be discriminatory and to violate the fundamental right to free speech and to do business. However, the High Court has dismissed the petition, saying that there is no such discrimination against firecrackers.
Firecrackers are an important part of festivals like Diwali. However, the use of firecrackers is not allowed in many Indian cities. In fact, several states have banned them. These restrictions have led to higher production costs and a decline in sales. Manufacturers have been struggling to find ways to compete in a tough market.
Legality of firecrackers in India
In recent years, there has been a significant debate over the legality of firecrackers in India. Several laws have been passed to curb this illegal activity. Some countries have imposed bans while others have implemented regularisations. Currently, it is not illegal to burst fireworks in India, but it is recommended that you do so in designated areas. In fact, some states have banned the use of firecrackers for environmental reasons.
The Supreme Court has ruled against the ban. While this m80 ruling was not an absolute ban, it did clarify that sales can take place only through licensed traders. Furthermore, firecrackers cannot be sold online, but green crackers can. While the ban is a step in the right direction, the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on whether online sales of firecrackers are legal.
The issue of the legality of firecrackers is complex. While some manufacturers have sought to comply with previous orders, most haven’t. The Supreme Court Bench also found that manufacturers aren’t labelling their firecrackers with information about the responsible party for legal compliance.
Environmental impact of firecrackers
Thousands of workers in the firecracker industry are now facing dire economic conditions. According to estimates, the firecracker industry employs three lakh people in the Sivakasi belt and another four lakh indirectly. In addition to the health risks, firecrackers also create pollution and add to the smog problem that plagues many cities during fall. The noise and dust emitted by firecrackers can also be a nuisance to older people, animals, and students. They also waste a lot of money and harm the well-being of many people who have respiratory problems and asthma.
Moreover, the burning of firecrackers causes a high level of atmospheric pollution, including SO2 and NOx. As a secondary air pollutant, firecracker emissions also contribute to surface ozone. Surface ozone is formed through photochemical reactions involving NOx. During the daytime, the concentrations of ozone are higher.