Home / Environment / Supreme Court Okays New Green Crackers
Supreme Court Okays New Green Crackers
30 Sep
Summary
- New green crackers allowed, but total ban rejected.
- Barium content in green crackers requires further study.
- Court seeks balance between environment and public sentiment.
The Supreme Court has allowed the use of "specified next generation joint green crackers," also known as "laris," but declined to impose a total ban on firecrackers, acknowledging their impact on public sentiment. A bench noted that a complete prohibition would hurt traditions, while unrestricted use would significantly affect vulnerable populations.
The court accepted the Centre's proposal, based on expert recommendations, to permit these new-generation joint crackers if they meet specific conditions, including noise levels below 125 decibels and the absence of barium. These conditions focus on "shell number, shell size, and time between burst."
Meanwhile, the more contentious issue regarding barium-containing green crackers remains unresolved. The Centre and expert bodies have been granted until October 15 to complete their assessment of barium's impact on ambient air quality, with open-ground tests being proposed.
This decision follows prior discussions and expert evaluations, including laboratory tests showing emission reductions. The court stressed the need for a balanced approach, giving due credence to expert opinions on environmental matters, while indicating that final regulations will specify permitted cracker types and bursting durations.
