To curb the severe environmental degradation and public health risks triggered by festival festivities, the Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government to evaluate establishing fixed hours for bursting firecrackers during Diwali. The court emphasized that the state administration should consider aligning its policies with the directives previously laid down by the Supreme Court. The bench observed that unchecked fireworks cause sharp spikes in both air and noise pollution, which directly threaten the physical well-being of residents across the state.
Civic Bodies and Law Enforcement Urged to Act
The High Court pointed out that curbing festival-related pollution requires coordinated action not just from policymakers, but also from executive and regulatory agencies. The court instructed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and state police authorities to thoroughly examine the Supreme Court's guidelines. The bench highlighted the necessity of instituting clear operational windows for fireworks, ensuring that public celebrations do not spiral into an unchecked environmental hazard.
Reference to the Supreme Court's October 29 Order
During the proceedings, the bench drew attention to the binding guidelines issued by the Supreme Court on October 29. Those directions were framed specifically to address the alarming deterioration of air quality in the Delhi-NCR belt during the festive calendar. The apex court had underlined the strict enforcement of designated bursting hours. Taking note of those measures, the Bombay High Court indicated that Maharashtra must also consider adopting an equally rigorous framework to protect urban air quality.
Case Stemmed from BMC Action on Dia Mirza Video
The judicial scrutiny originated when the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removing a Diwali public awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza. While delving into the circumstances surrounding the civic body's action, the court expanded its inquiry into the wider systemic challenges posed by firecracker usage and environmental safeguards. Following the detailed hearing, the bench delivered a comprehensive 13-page order setting out its directions.
The Supreme Court Guidelines for Delhi-NCR
Under the framework approved by the Supreme Court for Delhi-NCR, residents are permitted to burst green firecrackers on November 7 and November 8 within restricted time slots. The apex court permitted a total of three hours across two daily slots: one hour in the morning from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, and a two-hour evening window from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Bombay High Court has asked Maharashtra authorities to take note of this structured schedule while deliberating festive regulations for the state.
