New Delhi, Jan 5: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) what difference ban on the sale of firecrackers had made in terms of pollution in Delhi and NCR. The sale of firecrackers was prohibited in Delhi and NCR during the Diwali festival. The apex court asked CPCB to file its report to know whether pollution decreased in Delhi and NCR due to the ban on firecrackers.
During the hearing on a plea seeking a country-wide ban on possession, sale and bursting of firecrackers, including burning of stubble by farmers, the Supreme Court sought a response from the CPCB on pollution level during the period when firecrackers were banned in Delhi and NCR.
The top court also asked Punjab and Haryana High Court to take a final decision soon on banning bursting of crackers in the two states. Earlier, the court refused to stay Punjab and Haryana High court’s order banning bursting of crackers.
The plea for a country-wide ban on the manufacture and bursting of firecrackers assumes significance as the sale of firecrackers in Delhi and NCR has been restored since November 1.