‘Toddlers’ approach Supreme Court for a blanket ban on bursting firecrackers during Diwali

“The right to breathe clean air is essential for a conducive environment, which is needed for their growth and development,” stated the petition.

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It further added that despite the Supreme Court’s instructions on the sale of loud firecrackers, authorities concerned have failed to take adequate measures.
Over the last two years, Delhi has retained the unique distinction of being the most polluted city in the world, claimed the petition.

The petition added that the children are the worst affected, as their lungs have not yet fully developed and their immune systems are still vulnerable.

“In Delhi, a majority of the pollution is caused by the burning of over 500 million tons of crop residue by states around the capital, by polluting trucks that pass through the city at night and road dust and industries,” stated the PIL.

It added, “To add to this, in the months of October and November, the festivals of Dussehra and Diwali lead to massive risks of lung disease, as smoke from firecrackers clogs the atmosphere.”

Describing pollution as a matter concerning health and public order, the petition contended that the top court’s intervention was imminent since “the historic and beautiful city of Delhi is slowly being poisoned with the worst quality of air, which is being consumed daily by the people”.

“The needless and harmful fad of celebrating festivals with firecrackers is the last nail in the coffin,” it stated.

The petition — filed through advocate Pooja Dhar — is likely to come up for hearing next week.