Air pollution rises across India

SC firecracker guidelines ignored

8 booked in Ahmedabad for bursting crackers outside permitted time

Air pollution levels across India took a hit after Diwali celebrations, with many people defying the Supreme Court’s restrictions on the timeframe within which firecrackers can be burst.

The apex court had on 23 October allowed the use of firecrackers on Diwali between 8 and 10 pm.

In the National Capital, air quality deteriorating to the “very poor” category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, authorities said. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 302 at 11 pm on the Diwali night, which fell in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Supreme Court had also allowed the manufacture and sale of only “green crackers” in Delhi, which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.The court had also asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold, and said that the station house officer (SHO) of the concerned police station concerned would be held personally liable in cases of violations. However, there were reports of violations from many areas long after 10 pm. As many as 209 calls were received by the Delhi Fire Services on Diwali, including one related to a huge fire in a factory at Bawana,.  Of these, 89 calls were related to fire incidents at garbage and dumpyards, while the rest were related to fire incidents involving electric wires, at factories and residential areas, a senior Delhi Fire Services officer said.

The police admitted that there were violations, adding that they would take serious legal action against those violating the apex court order.

Pollution levels in Mumbai rose slightly on the Diwali night, but the air was much cleaner than it usually is during this time of the year.