Indian court eases ban on firecrackers

INDIA’S top court on Tuesday eased a ban on fireworks for a major Hindu festival despite air pollution in some big cities again reaching danger levels.

The Supreme Court, which last year banned firecrackers for the Diwali festival, rejected a new call for a ban in the capital amidst growing concern over pollution.

Firecrackers set off for the

Hindu festival of lights add to the toxic mix created by farmers burning crop stubble, diesel engines, coal-fired power plants and industrial emissions.

The World Health Organisation in May listed 14 Indian cities, including Delhi, in the world’s top 15 with the dirtiest air.

Ahead of Diwali on November 7, the Supreme Court ordered that only reduced smoke fireworks could be sold and that this must be through licensed traders.

No fireworks can be sold online, it said.

The court has also set a two hour window from 8pm to 10pm for the lighting of crackers on Diwali.

Every winter, air pollution in Delhi soars as cooler air traps harmful particles from the various emissions.

Smog has climbed in recent weeks as temperatures have fallen and smoke from burning wheat fields in neighbouring states has reached the capital, mingling with urban pollutants.