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Delhi's air is killing our children, we don't need more reasons to ban firecrackers

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Arindam De
Arindam DeOct 10, 2017 | 11:39

Delhi's air is killing our children, we don't need more reasons to ban firecrackers

There was stream of angry responses on Twitter following the Supreme Court order extending the ban on sale of firecrackers in Delhi until October 31. “Let's try out at least one Diwali without firecrackers,” the apex court observed. It was more of an appeal than an order.

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Every winter Delhi pays a heavy price as air pollution increases exponentially. It usually begins with the burning of stubbles, post harvest in the north western states and ends with the widespread bursting of crackers in Diwali. The smoke and decibel levels and the dangers of PM (particulate matter) 2.5 and PM10 - the effects of which persist throughout winters.

After last year's Diwali, Delhi recorded worst air quality in three years. The apex court responded by banning the sale of crackers in response to a 2015 petition filed by three children requesting such a ban. "We are the most vulnerable category when it comes to air pollution, especially from suspended particles and toxins. We are foremost prone to lung disease, asthma, coughing, bronchitis, retarded development of the nervous system and cognitive impairment," the children's petition had argued, referring to the fundamental right to life.

While cracker manufacturers, on the other hand, challenged the ban on the grounds that it would impact livelihoods and the apex court stayed the prohibition. It transformed into a battle for life versus livelihood.

Delhi children, including those who are into manufacturing of firecrackers and those who burst them, have the weakest lungs in India. In fact, Delhi's children have lungs of chain smokers.

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The above-mentioned tweets were not quoted to target the people who posted them. It was mentioned to highlight the mindset. The court went ahead on a quest to ensure that the air becomes breathable for the next generation, and here we are giving our "verdict" on the order.

Yes, we can have time slots allotted for bursting firecrackers, or we can ban a few types of crackers, but such slots and bans need to be enforced without question. We probably do not have enough security forces to enforce disciple - something we lack across large swathes of the land - especially in absence of common sense among revellers.

Saying that the court is targetting a Hindu festival is the worst accusation that one can level against the guardians of our democracy. It is not as if breathable air would categorise lung damage according to the caste/religious beliefs of the children or adults for that matter.

The undermining of the highest judiciary has to stop. The other pillars of democracy must ensure it, else it will be their turn next. 

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Last updated: October 10, 2017 | 11:39
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