Delhi’s date with fireworks on Diwali night seems likely with the Supreme Court observing that a complete ban on firecrackers is “neither practical nor ideal”. Banasree Purkayastha looks at how green crackers can control air pollution & whether a middle ground between festivals and clean air can be found

l What has the SC said?

LAST FRIDAY, THE Supreme Court, while reserving its order on a batch of pleas seeking permission to manufacture and sell green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) said a complete ban on bursting of fire crackers in Delhi-NCR is “neither practical nor ideal” as such restrictions were often violated and balancing of equities is needed. “Despite a complete ban, firecrackers continue to be used. Extreme orders create problems,” Chief Justice

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