Supreme Court rules out nationwide firecracker ban, accepts limited relaxation for green crackers
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains·
Environmental governance and pollution mitigation: a GS3 case study on balancing industrial freedom with public health.
Why in news
The Supreme Court rejected a nationwide firecracker ban, instead accepting CSIR-NEERI's recommendation for limited and conditional relaxation for Gen-2 green crackers.
Background
The Supreme Court ruled on September 30 that Gen-2 green crackers can be permitted as they reduce PM10 and PM2.5 pollution by 45%-60%. Only manufacturers holding Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) licenses are eligible for registration.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyCSIR-NEERI: Recommended the limited and conditional relaxation of green crackers.
- FactGen-2 green crackers reduce PM10 and PM2.5 pollution by 45%-60%.
- BodyPESO: Manufacturers must hold a Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation license to register.
- PlaceDelhi Government: Announced the Winter Action Plan 2026-27 on September 29.
Prelims practice question
Which organization recommended the limited and conditional relaxation for the use of green crackers?
- (a)NITI Aayog
- (b)CPCB
- (c)MoEFCC
- (d)CSIR-NEERI
Show answer
Answer: (d) CSIR-NEERI — The note states that the Supreme Court accepted CSIR-NEERI's recommendation for limited and conditional relaxation for Gen-2 green crackers.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the balance between environmental protection and industrial freedom in the context of regulating air pollutants from firecrackers in urban India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory friction: Balancing Delhi's Winter Action Plan mandates with manufacturing rights
- Technological efficacy: Verifying the 45-60% pollution reduction claims of Gen-2 crackers
- Enforcement gap: Monitoring compliance of PESO-licensed manufacturers during peak festive seasons
Keywords: Environmental Governance · Pollution Mitigation · Regulatory Relaxation · Public Health · Sustainable Development
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.