A superficial introspection of the decision to ban firecrackers in Delhi-NCR is satisfactory and a welcoming one by the Supreme Court. However, it is a two-sided decision that has led to a spat on social media with people supporting it and disapproving of it.
According to the Supreme Court judgment, sale and stocking of firecrackers are banned at Near Capital Region until November 1.
Every onset of winter sees the Delhi-NCR choked by the worst toxic smog on the planet. This hazardous concentration of gases and particles are the major factors that lead to chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart problems in the given season. A major share of this situation is caused by the emissions from automobiles and from chemicals used in firecrackers. While Delhi is trying to tackle the automobile pollution, the only possible way to curb the latter pollution was through a ban.
The positive side to the judgment
Better Health
It comes as a huge relief for the people of Delhi and its nearby regions as they don’t have to face the health hazards they have been going through every winter. Small children and people with breathing problems are the ones who are most affected by respiratory diseases during the winters.
Better Vision
Have you ever tried getting around anywhere in Delhi, now imagine that with huge clouds of smog obstructing your vision; not helpful, yea—thought so. The ban of pollution causing firecrackers will in-turn reduce the smog and relieve the Delhi-ites of inconvenience while commuting.
Responsible celebrations
Firecrackers are burst during festival season without any consideration for animals and your fellow beings. Some people have taken it up as nobody’s business to enjoy the festive season by bursting firecrackers anytime and irritating others. The animals, children, elderly and people with medical conditions are greatly affected by this noise. For these people, the SC order will be a welcoming one.
Lesser Noise Pollution
In general, during Diwali the noise pollution in Delhi and all major cities in India crosses the health limits laid down by the government. It is a good decision for keeping us all healthy.
Safer Diwali
Every Diwali we see numerous freak accidents associated with bursting firecrackers. This Diwali without the crackers let us hope for a safe one.
Chance to bring about change
Image Source : hindustantimes.com
Every year we wish everyone a safe and green Diwali, this year Delhi got this chance to do so. Let the wave of safe-green Diwali start with the capital city and spread across the nation.
The negative side to the judgment
Judgment came in late
The judgment came in too late when stalls have been already set up for firecracker sales. Businesses had already poured in money for the festive season, which is less than 10 days away. There will be huge losses for the business as they were not aware of this earlier.
Loss for workers
Firecracker industry employs millions of workers throughout India, whose major revenues are big festive seasons; Diwali by far being the biggest as it is celebrated unanimously throughout the country, will cost the jobs of these workers. It will not be easy to rehabilitate most of these workers, as they may not be skilled in any other jobs.
Unsatisfied celebration
All of us from our childhood days have been celebrating Diwali with crackers—it has become some sort of a tradition. Asking to change this nostalgic experience will not give us a satisfying Diwali this year.
Since it is too late to introduce a new option that is less hazardous, the festive season may lose its charm.
Not permanent ban
As per the SC judgment, firecrackers are only banned in Delhi-NCR until nonmember 1, this means it is legal to use firecrackers after this period. People will again start using them afterwards and bring about the harms for which it was banned in the first place!
Unhelpful opinions
The opinion of celebrities and well-known people regarding this judgment in Delhi has actually brought unwanted attention. It does not help when most of these celebrities preach something and practice things different from it. The issue does not trigger out of proportion if it is just the common man tweeting and posting about it. Try to see the problem from Delhi-ites point-of-view before thrusting opinions. Be responsible with your opinions.