Environmentalists welcome decision of restrictions on firecrackers

The Supreme Court’s verdict on use of firecrackers was welcomed by the city environmentalists on Tuesday. People can burst low-emission firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm this Diwali, the Supreme Court ordered, ruling against a blanket ban on fireworks.

Vivek Bodhankar, an ecology expert from Sagarmitra Abhiyan Organisation, said that the decision is a is a small step in the right direction of protecting the environment. “Law does not immediately ensure change, but it creates discussions and arguments in which the issues of old and sick people and children, birds and animals terrified of explosions, are mentioned. Children will bring more support and families change when children change,” he said.

Anant Gharat of My Earth NGO, also praised the court for the decision. However, he raised questions about the effective implementation of the decision. “It is not clear who will be monitoring the defaulters and punish them... Secondly, this rule should not be restricted only to the Diwali period and should be applicable during Christmas and New Year celebrations as well.”

VM Motghare, Maharashtra pollution control board, joint director (air pollution control), said,“We have initiated a campaign to record noise levels at various locations in the city from November 1...”

PUNE: Law does not immediately ensure change, but it creates discussions and arguments...