Delhi Diwali: Supreme Court’s nod to green crackers this festival draws mixed reactions

After the Delhi Government’s recent plea — seeking a nod on green crackers — the Supreme Court has allowed the sale and bursting of these, on October 15 (Wednesday).

“We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” said the Chief Justice of India (CJI), noting how illegal firecrackers cause greater damage than the certified green ones.

Supporting this, Sonal Mansingh, Delhi-based Bharatanatyam and Odissi exponent, says, “Diwali is one of the most important festivals for Hindus everywhere in the world. We’ve already seen all kinds of bans put on the society… Oxygen level kharab ho jayega, was the argument for the cracker ban [earlier]. But, we’ve been suffering that already. So thank you, Supreme Court for lifting the ban because if there is no utsav (festival) then life is neeras (dull).”

But, Delhi-born singer-actor Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, feels: “It’s a horrible idea. Even a green cracker would add to the pollution. The noise pollution affects our pets and the air pollution adds to the crop burning smog that flows into our city from the surrounding areas. I think, we’ve forgotten the intention behind the festival of Diwali. It’s sacred, pure and beautiful. I would love to see our city lit up and smelling of sweets and ghee rather than be covered in smog!”