Full ban on firecrackers in New Delhi by National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Full ban on firecrackers in New Delhi by National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Sale and use of firecrackers in the National Capital Region by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been completely banned. Ban on firecrackers in the National Capital Region starts from midnight on November 9 and will continue until midnight of 30 November.

In addition to this, the NGT has issued notices to 19 states and union territories. Air quality in these states is lower than the prescribed criteria.

Why this ban is required? 

Health experts have predicted an increase in infection of Covid 19 during winter, hence the high levels of pollution can cause serious health problems. Every year before Deepawali, burning of crop-waste/starch in New Delhi region are seen. This year also the central government will work with the states to deal with this problem.

National Green Tribunal and it's overview

-Constituted in the year 2010 by the Government notification under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.

-It's president is a retired judge of Supreme Court or former Chief Justice of High Court. Apart from this, there are 20 experts and 20 judicial members. 

-It hears cases falling under 7 laws,  these are water pollution prevention law 1974, air pollution prevention law 1974, environmental protection law 1986, forest protection law 1980, Biodiversity Law 2002.

-The Forest Law 1927, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1972 and the Forest Rights Act 2006 are excluded from the jurisdiction of NGT. 

-The NGT has 5 offices - New Delhi, Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.

The powers of National Green Tribunal(NGT) 

-May impose fine. 

-Can declare compensation.

-Can make policy suggestions for       environmental protection.

-May settle cases within 6 months.

-It has the same powers as a civil court.