NEW DELHI, Oct 29 — The Supreme Court reserved its decision regarding restrictions on the bursting of firecrackers across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), emphasizing that enforcement measures alone have proven insufficient in tackling seasonal air pollution. During the proceedings, the bench observed that despite annual judicial directives, widespread firecracker usage continues to severely impact ambient air quality during the festival season.
The court maintained that regulatory bans must be accompanied by proactive public outreach to bring about long-term behavioral change among citizens. Suggesting an innovative approach to community engagement, the bench proposed involving prominent national personalities—such as cricketer Virat Kohli—to champion environmental awareness and encourage fans to refrain from using firecrackers.
Emphasizing a balanced strategy, the apex court noted that mere restrictions fail to resolve the underlying crisis without active public cooperation. The bench affirmed that building civic responsibility through credible public icons could prove more effective in fostering voluntary compliance and safeguarding public health during peak pollution periods.
