Ban on crackers in Delhi-NCR

Context

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.

Why the Ban?

• The ban came in the wake of rising levels of pollution in Delhi-NCR owing to instances of stubble burning and other sources.
• Firing crackerson Diwali increase the concentration of dust and pollutants in the air.
• After firing, the fine dust particles get settled on the surrounding surfaces which are packed with chemicals like copper, zinc, sodium, lead, magnesium, cadmium and pollutants like oxides of sulfur and nitrogen.
• These invisible yet harmful particles affect the environment and in turn, put our health at stake.

How the Chemicals used in Crackers affect the Health?

Sulphur nitrates, magnesium, nitrogen dioxide are involved in the making of crackers. These prove to be hazardous for our respiratory systems and can cause serious ailments like asthma, lung cancer, shortness of breath, and many other respiratory diseases.

• Copper:Irritates the respiratory tract.
• Cadmium:Leads to anemia by reducing the capacity of blood to carry oxygen.
• Zinc:Can cause metal fume fever and induces vomiting.
• Lead:Harms the nervous system.
• Magnesium:Metal fume fever is caused by Magnesium fumes.
• Sodium:It is a highly reactive element and caused burns when it is combined with moisture.

Below is a list of the salts used to produce particular colours.

 About NGT

• The National Green Tribunal was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, passed by the Central Government.
• Objective: The stated objective was to provide a specialized forum for effective and speedy disposal of cases pertaining to environment protection, conservation of forests and for seeking compensation for damages caused to people or property due to violation of environmental laws or conditions specified while granting permissions.
• It draws inspiration from the India's constitutional provision of Article 21 Protection of life and personal liberty, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment. 
• Composition: The Chairperson of the NGT is a retired Judge of the Supreme Court
  • Each bench of the NGT will comprise at least one Judicial Member and one Expert Member.
  • Expert members should have a professional qualification and a minimum of 15 years experience in the field of environment/forest conservation and related subjects.
  • The tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.