Bombay High Court Urges Maharashtra to Regulate Firecracker Timings
The Bombay High Court has called on the Maharashtra government to implement regulated timings for firecracker use during Diwali to mitigate pollution and health risks.
The court referenced Supreme Court guidelines for firecracker timings during Diwali.
Concerns were raised over the environmental impact of unregulated firecracker use.
The court criticized the removal of Dia Mirza's anti-firecracker message from social media.
On November 4, the Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to consider implementing regulated timings for bursting firecrackers during Diwali. This recommendation aims to address the severe environmental and health hazards associated with air pollution in Mumbai, particularly during the festive season. The court's order followed a suo motu notice regarding the removal of a video featuring actress Dia Mirza, which highlighted the dangers of firecrackers.
The High Court's order, released recently, emphasized the need for state authorities, including the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), to adhere to the Supreme Court's directives issued on October 29. These guidelines restrict the use of approved green crackers to specific time slots: between 6 AM to 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM in the National Capital Region (NCR). The court expressed that similar measures should be considered in Maharashtra, given the local pollution levels.
In its ruling, the High Court acknowledged the Supreme Court's stance that while Diwali is a cherished festival, the unregulated use of firecrackers significantly contributes to air quality deterioration. The court pointed out that such activities can lead to dangerous spikes in the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the accumulation of harmful particulate matter in the atmosphere.
The court also criticized the BMC for deleting Dia Mirza's social media message against firecrackers, describing the action as "most unfortunate." The judges highlighted that public health initiatives should transcend individual or factional interests. They commended Mirza and other celebrities for their voluntary participation in promoting awareness about the environmental impacts of firecrackers.
Looking ahead, the High Court suggested that the BMC restore the deleted video to foster a sense of community and cultural heritage in Mumbai. The court's remarks underscored the importance of maintaining goodwill among all community members, regardless of their backgrounds, especially during festive celebrations. The case has sparked discussions about the balance between tradition and public health, with the court's recommendations expected to influence future policies regarding firecracker use in the state.
