Noida residents welcome ban on firecrackers

The apex court has said that its earlier order wherein it had lifted ‘permitting them’ will come into effect from November 1 which is two weeks after Diwali.

The Supreme Court ban on fire crackers in Delhi-NCR was welcomed by the residents’ welfare associations, district administration and the pollution control board in Noida.

Ahead of the Diwali, many wholesalers and distributors had procured stock of fireworks in anticipation that the court will allow sales. (HT Photo)

Monday’s apex court order has put on hold the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. On September 12, the SC had lifted “for the time” its order of suspending the permanent licences for sale and retail of firecrackers within the National Capital Region (NCR).

“We welcome the move because it is for the betterment of our environment. The usage of fire crackers has come down in the last few years because people have started understanding the importance of having clean air to breathe. We will be informing residents about the SC order,” said AN Dhawan, Secretary General, Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations (FONRWA).

The apex court has said that its earlier order wherein it had lifted ‘permitting them’ will come into effect from November 1 which is two weeks after Diwali.

Last week, the district magistrate had asked the Residents Welfare Associations to hold a meeting in all the sectors to convince residents to avoid using crackers on this Diwali.

“It is a very good move by the apex court. We will make sure that the orders are followed properly in the district. We all have to take our environment seriously to lead a healthy life. Strict action will be taken against those who will be found selling crackers illegally,” said BN Singh, district magistrate, Gautam Budh Nagar.

“If the court had to come up with this type of order, why were we encouraged to buy crackers to sell? We will be meeting the district magistrate on Tuesday to find a way,” said Kumar.

The data maintained by the pollution control board in Noida suggests that the air quality has worsened over the years in the area making it difficult for the citizens to breathe in quality air. “People have to survive to celebrate and this order of SC is an appreciable move. Post and pre Diwali days are very bad for patients suffering from asthma and other breathing issues. Pollution caused during this season is very dangerous for smokers too. Such a ban is required to keep the environment clean for breathing,” said Dr Mrinal Sircar, Director, Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Fortis Hospital, Sector 62, Noida.