After the Supreme Court gave the go-ahead to green crackers for Diwali in Delhi-NCR, experts expressed concern over the risk of rising pollution levels. Apollo Hospital Senior Consultant Dr. S. Chatterjee warned against the dangers of burning green biscuits. As a result, people with respiratory problems are likely to suffer more after Diwali as pollution is bound to increase in the capital, even as green crackers are burnt.
“In Delhi, biscuits were banned earlier. But now the Supreme Court has allowed the use of specifically green biscuits. It is not that green biscuits are pollution free. The only advantage is that they cause 30% less pollution than regular biscuits,” ANI quoted Dr. S. Chatterjee.
Suggesting that the smaller shell size of green biscuits causes less pollution than conventional biscuits because it releases less particulate matter, he said: “But as pollution in the capital rises again, it is very appropriate that we avoid using biscuits, even green biscuits.”
Although the raw material of green biscuits is less hazardous than conventional biscuits, the former is bound to worsen the pollution problem in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Advising the public against burning crackers during Diwali celebrations, he stated, “Pollution levels would definitely increase and people and patients suffering from respiratory diseases might suffer more after Diwali… It is very appropriate that it be well regulated and even green crackers should not be used.”
According to the court’s October 15 order, the sale of green cookies will be allowed, but under certain conditions. The sale of green cookies will be allowed between October 18 and 21, but their use will be limited to specific hours on the day before the Show and on the day of the festival.
In particular, the sale of green biscuits will be allowed only from designated locations in Delhi, as per the Supreme Court directive. These specific locations were to be determined by the District Magistrate in consultation with the police.
Hours after the landmark decision, the Delhi government called a series of meetings with green cracker manufacturers, secretaries of concerned departments, MCD, Delhi Police and traders to prepare an enforcement plan.
