Tackling pollution: Calcutta HC orders complete ban on firecrackers; green crackers allowed in Odisha – Times Now

Kolkata: Ahead of Diwali, Chhath Puja, and other festivities, the Calcutta High Court on Friday ordered a complete ban on the sale and use of firecrackers in a bid to tackle air pollution in the city amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The High Court has also banned the green crackers that were earlier permitted by the Mamata Banerjee government.

With Kolkata’s move, now at least six states have banned firecrackers in various capacities and while there is a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi, some cities of Bihar, Punjab and Rajasthan are allowing green crackers for two hours during Diwali.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also reserved its interim order on how to enforce previous orders on the ban, restrictions on sale and manufacturing of crackers.

Alarmed over rocketing cases of COVID-19 in West Bengal after the Durga Puja festivities, a PIL was filed before the Kolkata High Court seeking a ban on the sale and usage of the firecrackers. 

The latest order thus nullifies a recent notification by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board that allowed people to burst green firecrackers for a stipulated period of time on Diwali and Kali Puja as the High Court ordered a complete ban on firecrackers.

Meanwhile, the state government has been asked to look into the implementation of the order and the police have been asked to keep a strict vigil on Diwali, Chath Puja, New Year and other festivities.  The cops have also been asked to initiate legal action against those flouting these guidelines.

Meanwhile, after Calcutta High Court’s order, the Odisha HC passed an order permitting only green crackers during festivities in a bid to tackle air pollution. The Odisha High Court has asked the Odisha government to hear to all petitioners tomorrow at 11 AM and furthermore, a reasoned order will be passed on or before November 1.