In a significant move aimed at addressing air and noise pollution concerns, the Supreme Court of India issued a directive on Tuesday that effectively bans the use of firecrackers throughout the entire nation.

The court emphasized that the previously issued guidelines, which prohibit the use of hazardous chemicals like barium in firecrackers, are not limited to Delhi-NCR but are applicable to all states across India.

This clarification was delivered by the apex court during a hearing related to the use of firecrackers in the state of Rajasthan. The decision serves as a pivotal step in the battle against pollution and underscores the importance of protecting the environment and public health nationwide.

State governments have been instructed to take necessary measures to enforce this ban and ensure compliance with the guidelines.

The court also directed the state governments to implement appropriate measures to control both air and noise pollution. The state of Rajasthan was specifically advised by the court that no new directives are required and that it should adhere to the previous orders issued.

The bench of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh clarified that no further specific orders are necessary at this stage, as the court has already issued numerous orders indicating steps to minimize and prevent both air and noise pollution. These previous orders are binding on every state in the country, including Rajasthan.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court conveyed that there is a misperception that environmental issues solely fall under the court's jurisdiction. It stated that it is the collective responsibility of everyone to manage and mitigate pollution.

The court stressed that every citizen must contribute to ensuring an environmentally friendly celebration of Diwali with fewer firecrackers. Notably, the court observed a trend where adults tend to ignite more firecrackers than children during the festival.

In 2021, the Supreme Court issued a series of directives to prevent the use of banned chemicals in firecrackers leading up to Diwali.

The court clarified that it did not impose a complete ban on firecrackers but specifically prohibited those containing barium salts. Green crackers were deemed permissible, following guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court in 2018.

During the hearing on November 7, 2023, the court also expressed concern about pollution in Udaipur, directing the state of Rajasthan to take immediate steps to address the issue.

Notably, on September 22, the Supreme Court had rejected a plea seeking permission for the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers containing barium chemicals.

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