Supreme Court Considers Perpetual Ban on Firecrackers in Delhi Amid Rising Pollution Levels
- November 5, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Supreme Court Considers Perpetual Ban on Firecrackers in Delhi Amid Rising Pollution Levels
Sub : Polity
Sec: Constitution
Why in News
The Supreme Court of India is deliberating on imposing a perpetual ban on the use of firecrackers in Delhi, as pollution levels have reached record highs during the festival of Deepavali. The court has directed the Delhi government and the city’s police commissioner to submit affidavits explaining the lack of enforcement of the ban and detailing future plans for curbing the use of firecrackers.
About Air Pollution Act:
The Air Pollution Act, primarily referred to as the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, is a legislative framework designed to prevent, control, and mitigate air pollution in India.
Major Provisions of the Air Pollution Act, 1981
The Act established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to monitor and manage air quality.
It empowered state governments, in consultation with SPCBs, to declare specific regions as air pollution control areas and enforce restrictions in these zones.
The Act mandates setting and enforcing emission standards for industrial plants and vehicles to reduce air pollution levels.
Provisions were made for penalties and legal action against those violating the norms, including fines and imprisonment.
The Act authorizes the SPCBs to conduct inspections and monitor industries to ensure compliance with established norms.
Recent Changes and Amendments to the Act
Amendments Effective April 1, 2024: The most notable amendment to the Air Pollution Act involved the dilution of punitive measures. Previously, severe violations could lead to imprisonment and higher fines.
The amended version replaced these stringent punishments with a system that imposes only monetary penalties.
The shift from imprisonment to financial penalties has been criticized for reducing the deterrent effect, potentially leading to non-compliance by industries and individuals.
The Supreme Court and various stakeholders have expressed concern that the amendments may hinder the strict implementation of anti-pollution measures, as demonstrated by recent court observations related to firecracker bans and other pollution control measures.