Telangana: Supreme Court issues new order modifying ban on crackers

On November 12, the Telangana High Court banned the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the State. Following the order, the Telangana Fire Workers Dealers Association (TFWDA) approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the ban order violates their right to livelihood.

On Friday, the apex court’s vacation bench provided “partial relief”. Modifying the HC’s order, it said that the bursting of firecrackers in Hyderabad and the rest of the State has to be in line with National Green Tribunal directions. The NGT directions for cities/towns with moderate air quality are not as stringent as they are for Delhi. Therefore, green crackers have been allowed to be burst.

“Only green crackers have been allowed. Timings for use and bursting of these crackers have been restricted to two hours during festivals like Diwali, Chatt, New Year/Christmas Eve etc,” a report by Bar And Bench says.

Green crackers:

As per NGT guidelines, manufacturers of crackers in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, have been making crackers that make fewer emissions. These are less dangerous than other crackers in terms of air pollution.