Topics Covered: Conservation and pollution related issues.
NGT links firecracker sales to air quality:
Context:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a total ban on the sale and use of firecrackers in NCR and also ordered a similar ban in all cities/towns where air quality fell below ‘poor’ and above categories last year.
- The ban on firecrackers in NCR will start from midnight of November 9 to midnight of November 30.
Other directions issued by NGT:
- All states/UTs should initiate drives to contain air pollution from all sources in view of potential of aggravation of Covid-19.
- The cities/towns where air quality is ‘moderate’ or below, only green crackers should be sold.
- The timings for use and bursting of crackers should be restricted to two hours during festivals like Diwali, Chhath, New Year/Christmas Eve etc., as may be specified by the state concerned.
What’s the issue?
Recently, the tribunal expanded its ambit of hearing cases on pollution by use of firecrackers beyond the Delhi-NCR region and issued notices to 19 states and Union Territories where air quality is beyond norms.
Why do we need such measures?
The tribunal has given primacy to the precautionary principle in sustainable development over employment and revenue losses.
- This is understandable as the impact of COVID-19 became clear in March, and there were fears of a case surge during the winter, it was incumbent on the Centre to work with States and resolutely prevent the burning of farm stubble ahead of Deepavali.
- This annual phenomenon unfailingly fouls the air across northern and eastern India, and imposes heavy health and productivity costs.
What else needs to be done now?
Only damage control is possible now, including steps to address the concerns of the fireworks industry.
However, states like Tamil Nadu, where 90% of firecrackers are produced, have legitimate concerns on the fate of the industry this year, which, producers claim, represents about ₹2,300 crore worth of output.
- Therefore, a transparent compensation scheme for workers, and suitable relief for producers may be necessary.
- The longer-term solution might lie in broad basing economic activity in the Sivakasi region, reducing reliance on firecrackers.
Conclusion:
There were 148 days of poor to severe air quality during 2019 in the NCR, down from 206 days the previous year. Many other cities have a similar profile, but get less attention.
With 40% of all pollution-linked deaths attributed to bad air quality in leading emerging economies and some evidence from the U.S. on higher COVID-19 mortality in highly polluted areas, it is time governments showed a sense of accountability on the right to breathe clean air.
Sources: the Hindu.
