The National Green Tribunal (NGT) sought the opinion of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Central Pollution Control Board and other states on the issue of banning firecrackers from 7th - 30th November in a plea alleging that the increase in pollution may make the COVID-19 pandemic situation worse.
A bench comprising Chairperson Justice A.K. Goel, Justice S.K. Singh, Dr. Satyawan Garbyal and Dr. Nagin Nanda noted that there are also expert views in relation to pollution and Covid-19. With increased air pollution, the virus can cause more damage.
The plea further stated that increase in pollution may affect the vulnerable groups and increase the fatality rate.
The bench has sought responses from MoEF&CC, CPCB, DPCC, Police Commissioner(Delhi), Governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on the question whether the use of firecrackers maybe banned for the period from 7th- 30th November and has appointed senior Adv. Raj Panjwani and Adv. Shibhi Ghosh to assist the court as amicus curie in the matter.
The bench will further hear upon this matter 5th November.