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Urban Polluted Mess — More Visible Than Ever On Diwali

Delhi’s air quality worsens every Diwali but this year it has reached the ‘very severe’ category a day prior to the festival of lights. The government conveniently blames these high pollution levels on stubble burning by farmers of Punjab and Haryana but in a report released on Wednesday, the Centre for Science and Environment has come up with hard data to show that the contribution of farm fires to the rising PM2.5 levels in the capital region has been 16 per cent.

Q&A: Can ‘carbon border adjustment mechanisms’ help tackle climate change?

By taxing carbon-intensive imports, the EU says it will help its domestic companies take ambitious climate action while still remaining competitive with firms in nations where environmental laws are less strict. There is evidence that the CBAM is also driving other governments to launch tougher carbon-pricing policies of their own, to avoid paying border taxes to the EU. It has also helped to shift climate and trade up the international climate agenda, potentially contributing to a broader increase in ambition. However, at a time of growing protectionism and economic rivalry between major powers, the new levy has proved controversial. Many developing countries have branded CBAMs as “unfair” policies that will leave them worse off financially, saying they will make it harder for them to decarbonise their economies. Analysis also suggests that the EU’s CBAM, in isolation, will have a limited impact on global emissions. In this Q&A, Carbon Brief explains how the CBAM works and the impact on climate policies it is already having in the EU and around the world, as nations such as the UK and the US consider implementing CBAMs and related policies of their own. What is a carbon border adjustment mechanism? A carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is a tax applied to certain imported goods, based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released during their production. It targets industries that are typically emissions-intensive and relatively easy to trade internationally, such as steel, aluminium and cement. CBAMs work on the basis that climate laws and standards in some nations – usually those in the global north – are tighter than those found elsewhere. This means that the producer of a particular emissions-intensive product might have to pay a domestic carbon price, for example, whereas an overseas competitor might not. Under a CBAM, a nation that applies a carbon price to its domestic steel industry would apply an equivalent charge at the border, to steel imported from overseas. This is meant to “level the playing field” between producers in different countries. Those that make goods at a lower cost, but without a domestic carbon price of their own, would have to pay an equivalent fee when exporting to the country imposing a CBAM. This would allow domestic industries in the importing country to compete, while still curbing their own emissions. CBAMs have been proposed as a response to fears of “carbon leakage”. If nations lose carbon-intensive businesses because they close down or choose to do business elsewhere, this could harm the economies of nations trying to implement carbon pricing. At the same time, it could increase global emissions, if domestic manufacturing is simply replaced by more carbon-intensive imports. This issue has risen to prominence in recent years, as the EU has become the first actor to introduce a CBAM. CBAMs have been discussed ever since the early days of international climate action in the 1990s. There was recognition at that time of the risks of carbon leakage, as developed countries were being tasked with cutting their emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. In particular, the EU launching its emissions trading system (ETS) in 2005 prompted what one study describes as “heated discussion” of the role that border taxes could play in preventing high-emitting industries moving away from EU member states to other countries. (Despite these concerns, there has to date been essentially no evidence of carbon leakage. However, researchers have noted that this could be because high-emitting industries are yet to face strict carbon pricing: those in the EU generally receive free emissions allowances.) The EU frames its CBAM as not only a means of placing a “fair price” on emissions bound up in imported goods, but also a way to “encourage cleaner industrial production” in the nations it imports goods from. However, critics say variously that it is more to do with economic protectionism, or that it will harm trade, or that it will exacerbate existing inequalities between nations. Why was the CBAM introduced in the EU? The EU CBAM was brought in as part of the European Green Deal, the EU’s strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. A CBAM has been under consideration in the EU for years. The European Commission informally proposed a border adjustment in 2007, following the launch of the ETS. In the years that followed, France suggested such a scheme on two more separate occasions. In her 2019 manifesto to become European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen raised the issue again, saying she would “introduce a carbon border tax to avoid carbon leakage” to “ensure our companies can compete on a level playing field”. In recent years, there has been much concern around how the EU can avert “deindustrialisation” and maintain its competitive edge against other major powers, such as the US and China. The CBAM is one of the measures launched under Von der Leyen’s leadership in an effort to tackle these threats, whether perceived or real. The idea came to fruition in 2021, when it was presented by the commission as part of its “Fit for 55” package to drive the EU’s transition to net-zero. Following negotiations with EU member state governments and members of the European Parliament, the CBAM became law in May 2023. One reason the CBAM was finally adopted in the EU was because of a perceived need to avoid carbon leakage, while also ramping up overall emissions reductions. Emissions from heavy industry in the EU have not fallen considerably since 1990, despite being covered by the EU ETS for two decades. This is partly because these sectors, many of which are considered “exposed” to international trade – and, therefore, carbon leakage – are handed free allowances in the EU ETS. These allowances enable businesses to continue emitting greenhouse gases at no extra cost – or even to profit from selling free allowances, if their own production falls. Companies in these sectors are, therefore, able to compete with foreign imports from countries that do not have carbon-pricing systems. However, the free allowances also mean those companies have less of a financial incentive to decarbonise. The CBAM is explicitly described as a replacement for the free allowances given to companies making steel, cement and other trade-exposed goods. It will be phased in as those allowances are phased out, a process that will be complete in 2034. The CBAM has been framed as an “enabling policy” that boosts the political acceptability of higher carbon prices within the EU and, in doing so, drives industrial decarbonisation. However, it has also been described as a policy to encourage global emissions cuts. After Von der Leyen took over as commission president, a communication concerning the European Green Deal said the CBAM would be introduced “should differences in levels of ambition worldwide persist, as the EU increases its climate ambition”. Finally, another reason for the measure is that the European Commission estimates it will raise €1.5bn in revenue in 2028 – and this will increase as the mechanism expands. Of this total, 75 per cent will go to the EU budget and the rest to member states. How will the EU’s CBAM work? The EU CBAM is being rolled out gradually. Between October 2023 and the end of 2025, any company that imports goods covered by the CBAM into the EU will have to declare them in quarterly reports. The products covered by the CBAM include those deemed “at most significant risk of carbon leakage” by the EU, initially including cement, iron, steel, aluminium, fertilisers and hydrogen, as well as electricity transmitted from other countries. This list is expected to expand, following further assessments by the EU, to cover sectors such as ceramics and paper. Reporting will cover all of the emissions generated when those products are made. This includes “direct” emissions, such as the carbon dioxide (CO2) released during cement production, and “indirect” emissions, such as those from the fossil-fuel generated electricity used to power cement factories. The full compliance phase of the CBAM will begin from the start of 2026. From this point, companies bringing CBAM-covered goods into the EU will have to purchase enough CBAM certificates to cover their associated emissions. The cost of these certificates will be the same as the EU ETS market price. If companies can demonstrate that they have paid a carbon price for goods in their country of origin, they will be able to deduct a corresponding amount from their certificate purchases to avoid taxing the products twice. Initially, exporters in relevant sectors will only have to buy certificates equivalent to 2.5 per cent of the emissions associated with producing their goods. This obligation will rise to 100 per cent by 2034, in line with the removal of free allowances for EU industries. The EU says that, when “fully phased in”, the CBAM will apply to more than half of the emissions covered by the ETS overall. How is the mechanism expected to cut emissions? The CBAM will add a carbon cost to EU imports that could encourage emissions cuts both domestically and internationally. The mechanism is supposed to drive industrial decarbonisation by facilitating the removal of free EU ETS allowances for industries such as steel and cement. Maintaining domestic industries in the EU is also intended to avoid an increase in global emissions due to carbon leakage. Yet various calculations of the overall impact of the EU CBAM on global emissions have produced fairly modest results. An initial 2021 assessment by the European Commission estimated that its proposed CBAM design would reduce emissions from affected EU industries by 1 per cent by 2030. It calculated that global emissions from these industries would be cut by 0.4 per cent over the same timescale. More recent analysis, conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), considers the impact of the CBAM at a carbon price of €100 per tonne of CO2 – a level that was reached for the first time last year before falling again. It concludes that the CBAM would reduce global emissions by less than 0.2 per cent, relative to the ETS on its own. This would be accompanied by a 0.4 per cent drop in global exports to the EU. Ian Mitchell, a senior policy fellow and co-director of the Europe programme at the Center for Global Development (CGD), tells Carbon Brief: “It’s not so surprising that CBAM has a modest impact on global emissions. As a unilateral measure, most of the trade in carbon it affects will be diverted to other jurisdictions without similar charges.” However, he adds that CBAM is still “extremely important and valuable”, because it establishes the principle of carbon pricing and a “level playing field” globally. Another key way that the CBAM could drive emissions cuts is by encouraging other nations to implement their own climate measures, including carbon pricing. A recent report by the NGO Resources for the Future says the hope is that CBAMs will “lead to a virtuous cycle, where more and more countries adopt carbon pricing”. It explains that CBAMs can allow governments to overcome domestic political constraints to carbon pricing: “The external pressure of a CBAM can provide both impetus and a scapegoat, akin to pushing an open door, as policymakers can point out that exporting firms would have to pay these fees when they export regardless of domestic policy action.” The EU CBAM has already sparked a wave of responses from other countries. These have ranged from threats of retaliatory measures to plans for domestic CBAMs of their own Yet there is some debate about how much the EU’s policy is spurring on climate action. Analysis by CGD at the end of 2023 concluded that the “vast majority of lower-income countries are a long way from implementing any carbon price”. At that time, no low-income countries were considering carbon pricing and only 11 per cent of lower-middle income countries had one “scheduled or under consideration”, the group concluded. Others assessments have been more optimistic. One early report from think tank Clingendael linked new climate policies from nations including Turkey and Russia to the looming threat of CBAM. A more recent report for the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), which speaks for companies involved in global carbon markets, tracks responses from countries trading with the EU. Julia Michalak, EU policy head at IETA, tells Carbon Brief that, ultimately, the CBAM is “not in itself a global mitigation policy tool”. However, she points to evidence of impacts, including Turkey, India and Brazil advancing work on their own ETSs, as well as China moving to expand its ETS to include cement, steel and aluminium – mirroring the EU CBAM. Critical experts from global-south institutions have argued that sharing emissions-cutting technologies and scaling up climate finance would be more effective measures to decarbonise industries in developing countries. (The EU CBAM text includes language about supporting “efforts towards the decarbonisation and transformation of…manufacturing industries” in developing countries.) There has been discussion around using CBAM revenues to support industrial decarbonisation in other countries, although there has so far been no formal agreement to do this. A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) argues that CBAM revenues could be a new form of climate finance for developing countries. The think tank suggests that this could function in a similar way to the EU’s modernisation fund, which is financed with ETS revenue and supports clean energy in low-income EU states. What are the reactions from developing countries? Some of the most vocal opponents of the EU’s CBAM are among those expected to be most exposed to its impacts. The map below is colour-coded according to nations’ relative exposure, according to the World Bank, based on the carbon intensity of their industries and how much they rely on exporting CBAM-covered products to the EU. Nations shaded green could gain export competitiveness to the EU, while those shaded red could lose competitiveness. Map showing the World Bank’s aggregate relative CBAM exposure index, with green indicating an increase in relative competitiveness in trade with the EU and red indicating a decrease. The score considers CBAM-covered products (iron and steel, fertiliser, cement, electricity and aluminium) and is based on trade-weighted relative CO2 intensity compared to the EU average; exports to the EU and a carbon price of US$100 per tonne of CO2. Source: World Bank. Many of the most exposed nations have vocally opposed what they describe as “unilateral” trade measures, both at UN climate negotiations and at the World Trade Organization (WTO), where they have questioned their compatibility with international trade rules. Some of them have argued that the costs of compliance will leave less money for dealing with poverty and meeting their Paris Agreement targets. Observers have cited the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”, arguing that the EU is penalising developing countries despite its historic – and current – high levels of emissions, relative to much of the global south. Avantika Goswami, climate change programme lead at CSE, tells Carbon Brief: “You are imposing these external standards onto developing countries whilst not specifically earmarking funding that would enable this decarbonisation effort.” China is one of the developing countries affected by the CBAM that has criticised the EU’s new policy. China’s steel and aluminium sector would see the biggest impacts, according to an analysis from the Center for Eco-Finance Studies at Renmin University. It estimated a 4-6 per cent (US$200m-400m) increase in export costs for the steel industry, for example. (The analysis does not appear to account for potential price rises in EU steel markets, which could allow producers to recoup higher costs at the expense of consumers within the bloc.) Li Chenggang, China’s ambassador to WTO, said at a meeting last June: “We fully understand the EU’s environmental goals and appreciate its efforts…However, it is regrettable that the [CBAM] measures…fail to follow the basic principles of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement [the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”], as well as WTO rules. In fact, this measure may cause discrimination and market access restrictions on imported products, especially those from developing members.” A report by the China office of consultancy PwC says about US$35bn of trade between China and the EU could eventually be affected by the CBAM. African countries have raised similar concerns. According to Akinwumi Adesina, president of African Development Bank, the continent could lose up to US$25bn per year as a “direct result of CBAM”. However, the US$25bn figure cited by Adesina comes from a modelling scenario that does not correspond to the EU’s actual approach, says Tennant Reed, director of climate change and energy at the Australian Industry Group, in a post on LinkedIn. In his post, Reed points to a series of issues with the underlying modelling in this and other studies of the impact of the EU’s CBAM on developing countries’ economies. He tells Carbon Brief: “CBAM analysis can easily go awry if it: considers higher supply costs for covered products but not higher selling prices; assumes manufacturers and nations have static emissions intensities; or fails to represent the actual structure of policy. A genuinely non-discriminatory border adjustment should not disadvantage developing country exporters at all. Instead it can create a firmer commercial basis for clean industrial investment everywhere and a chance for developing countries that price carbon to effectively raise tax revenue from Europe.” In July 2024, India’s economic affairs secretary Ajay Seth commented that the EU’s CBAM was “unfair and detrimental to domestic market costs”. There have even been reports of India planning “retaliatory” trade measures and the Indian government has indicated its concerns will feed into discussions around India’s prospective free-trade agreement with the EU. In addition, Simon Göss, managing director of the Berlin-based consulting firm carboneer, tells Carbon Brief that, for smaller companies, “hir[ing] [data] experts and set[ting] up monitoring systems…might make the end product more expensive”. He adds: “In the short-term – until the end of 2024 – monitoring and reporting real emissions for producers of CBAM-goods in non-EU countries represents a huge challenge for smaller companies in technologically less advanced countries.” Despite their criticisms, some developing country analyses have pointed to positive steps that their industries can take in response to the EU’s CBAM. Beijing-based thinktank iGDP, for example, says, “looking at the long-term trend, China’s steel industry striv[ing] to reduce emissions is more economical than to pay the CBAM adjustment fee”. Similarly, Renmin University says in a CBAM analysis that China’s steel industry should accelerate its shift to lower emissions and the country’s own carbon market “should be improved”. Are other countries introducing their own mechanisms? Other nations are expected to implement CBAMs and related measures of their own in response to the EU’s new policy. Progress on this has been fairly slow, but there are signs that some nations in the global north are considering this approach in order to protect trade with the EU and support their own industrial decarbonisation. Perhaps the most advanced CBAM outside of the EU is the UK’s effort. The UK government announced at the end of 2023 that it would implement the mechanism by 2027. Unlike the EU’s CBAM, the UK’s version, in its initial stage, will include ceramics and glass. It will also not include the electricity the UK imports from its European neighbours via interconnectors. Some observers have called for greater harmonisation with the EU, suggesting that this would reduce the economic risk to the UK. The Canadian government also announced plans to establish its own CBAM in the 2021 budget and launched a consultation to this effect. Australia has also been considering a CBAM, with the government launching a review in 2023 to assess its potential to prevent carbon leakage – especially targeting steel and cement. As for the US, there has been much debate around how it could implement a CBAM, despite lacking a domestic carbon-pricing system. (Carbon pricing has long proved controversial in the US. In fact an early form of CBAM was blocked in 2010 by Senate Republicans in the infamous Waxman-Markey bill, along with a national carbon pricing scheme.) US leaders were initially hostile to the EU’s CBAM, even though the nation does not export large amounts of CBAM-covered products to the bloc. However, in the context of industrial rivalry with China, US lawmakers have proposed various CBAM-like policies in recent years, with a view to avoiding carbon leakage and ensuring global competitiveness. These include the Clean Competition Act, backed by Democrats, and the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, backed by Republicans, both of which involve adding a carbon-intensity fee to imports. Analysis by NGO Resources for the Future describes these proposals as a “significant sign of bipartisan interest in climate and trade policy”. Moreover, it says these actions can be attributed to the EU’s leadership in this area: “Just as it is hard to imagine the EU coming up with as extensive a green industrial policy as it has without the [Inflation Reduction Act], it is equally hard to imagine the US devising specific climate and trade proposals without the impetus of CBAM.” Ellie Belton, a senior policy advisor on trade and climate at the thinktank E3G, tells Carbon Brief that, while the EU CBAM “may well have kickstarted a new wave of climate ambition globally”, there is a need for “better diplomacy” to avoid disrupting multilateral progress: “There is also an emerging risk of divergent CBAM schemes creating a patchwork of disjointed regulations worldwide, which would disproportionately impact developing countries and exacerbate the inequity in climate outcomes.” Reflecting concerns about the impact such a “patchwork” could have on businesses, the International Chamber of Commerce has released a set of “global principles” to guide countries in introducing their own CBAMs. Among other things, they include compliance with WTO rules and the principles of the Paris Agreement, as well as exemptions for least-developed countries and small island states.

'Air Pollution At All-Time High During Diwali, Explain Steps Taken To Enforce Firecracker Ban': Supreme Court To Delhi Govt & Police

The Supreme Court today directed the Delhi Government and the Police Commissioner of Delhi to file affidavits stating steps taken to implement the ban on firecrackers in Delhi as well as proposed steps to ensure compliance with the ban next year. “There cannot be any dispute that the ban was hardly implemented. Moreover, the effect of non-implementation of the ban is very apparent from the report of CSE which shows that the pollution level in Delhi in this Diwali of 2024 was at an all time high. It was much higher than Diwali of 2022 and 2023. Moreover, the report indicates that even farm fires were on rise during Diwali days”, the Court observed.

'Strict Action Needed': SC Pulls Up Delhi Govt, Police For Not Implementing Firecracker Ban

Delhi Air Pollution: Expressing concern over Delhi's high pollution levels during Diwali , the Supreme Court on Monday sought explanations from the Delhi government and the city’s police commissioner regarding actions taken to enforce the firecracker ban. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih referred to newspaper reports that revealed widespread non-compliance with the court's firecracker restrictions. Delhi Government and Police Ordered to Submit Detailed Reports The apex court therefore demanded a detailed report from the Delhi government and Delhi police on steps undertaken to implement the ban and the specific actions taken against those who violated the orders. Story continues below advertisement "We want all the orders to be placed on record banning the sale, manufacture and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi. We are also issuing notice to the Delhi police commissioner on the action police has taken against the violators and the steps it is taking to implement the orders of the court," the bench said. Story continues below advertisement One-Week Deadline for Responses; Focus on Weather and Pollution The bench directed that responses from both the Delhi government and the police commissioner be filed within a week. Citing a report from the Centre for Science and Environment, the court also highlighted that Diwali 2024 experienced warmer temperatures than the previous two years, suggesting that weather changes may have worsened air quality.

SC raps Delhi govt over pollution; says firecracker ban hardly implemented

The Supreme Court on Monday (November 4) expressed its dissatisfaction with the Delhi government's management of the firecracker ban during Diwali, indicating that the restrictions were "hardly implemented" across the national capital. Noting that pollution levels reached unprecedented heights this Diwali, the court has demanded explanations from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the Delhi police regarding the failure to enforce the ban. The apex court highlighted that shops openly selling banned fireworks are in clear violation of its order. The bench remarked, “The effect of non-implementation is evident,” referencing a report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which indicated that pollution levels during this Diwali exceeded those of previous years. Furthermore, the report revealed a notable rise in farm fires during this period, which worsened the air quality crisis in Delhi. The court has directed the Delhi government and police to present specific measures to prevent a recurrence of this situation in the future. It also recommended sealing shops that violate the ban as a means of establishing a firm precedent. “We will examine this issue thoroughly,” stated the court. Additionally, the court has urged the Delhi government to contemplate a year-round ban on firecrackers to address ongoing air quality challenges in the city. Government measures In response to the hazardous air quality, Delhi authorities had attempted to enforce a comprehensive ban on firecrackers. The Delhi Police and the Revenue Department mobilised a total of 377 teams to prevent the sale and use of fireworks. These efforts resulted in the registration of 79 cases and the confiscation of 19,005 kg of firecrackers. The ban, which prohibits all types of firecrackers until January 1, 2025, was enacted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee earlier this month after a significant decline in air quality following Dussehra. Significantly, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) has cautioned that emissions from firecrackers and agricultural burning may further compromise air quality. The gravity of the situation has led authorities to activate Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as of October 22, 2024.

‘Why Firecrackers Ban Violated’? SC Seeks Immediate Answers From Delhi Govt, Police

The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Delhi government and police, seeking answers as to why the ban on firecrackers during Diwali was not followed, amid severe air pollution persisting in the national capital. Noting that reports in newspapers stated that the ban on firecrackers was openly flouted, the top court said: “This is responsible for sudden deterioration in air quality. What is the purpose of our order?” referring to the court’s order to ban use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. “Pollution is higher than 2022, 2023… Apparently, people were bringing crackers from other states,” the court added. The Supreme Court bench issued a notice to Delhi Police Commissioner and the Aam Aadmi Party government asking what steps they took to implement the firecracker ban order. “We will issue notice to Delhi police commissioner, will ask if SC order was implemented. We need immediate answers… this should not happen next year,” the court said. The court observed that a chaotic situation is created by crackers if not controlled. “Some strict action, such as sealing of premises, is needed against those violating firecrackers ban in Delhi. We need to do something so that court orders on firecrackers ban are not violated during Diwali next year.” The top court also sought responses from Punjab and Haryana to explain how farm fires during Diwali increased, as per a report by Centre for Science and Environment.

Delhi air pollution: 'Non-implementation of firecracker ban during Diwali apparent', says SC; directs AAP govt, police to file response

The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Delhi government and the police for poor implementation of the firecracker ban in the national capital during Diwali and sought their responses. The apex court also directed the Haryana and Punjab governments to file responses on stubble burning during the last 10 days of October. Hearing pleas on Delhi’s air pollution, Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih said the non-implementation of the firecracker ban in the national capital was apparent and the pollution levels in Delhi this year were higher than in 2022 and 2023. Citing a report submitted by the Centre for Science and Environment, the bench observed firecracker ban was hardly implemented. “Counsel for Delhi government states that there was a ban on the use of firecrackers in Delhi. There cannot be a dispute that the ban was hardly implemented. Moreover, the effect of non-implementation of the ban is very apparent from the report which shows that the pollution level in Delhi was at an all-time high. It was much higher than that of 2022 and 2023,” Live Law reported quoting the bench. The apex court noted that instances of instances of stubble burning were also high during Diwali in Punjab and Haryana. “Report indicates that even farm fires were on the rise during Diwali,” it said. “Haryana and Punjab to file affidavits indicating the details about number of instances of stubble burning during the last 10 days of October,” it added. The bench directed the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi and the Delhi police commissioner to file affidavits responses regarding all steps taken regarding banning the sale, manufacture and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi. The Court also sought details of action taken by police against violators. The Court asked the Delhi government and police to file an affidavit on steps it plans to take next year for effective implementation of the firecracker ban. The bench also asked the Delhi government to consider imposing a perpetual ban on firecrackers in Delhi instead of just during Diwali.

Consider perpetual ban on firecrackers in Delhi: SC to Delhi govt

Proposing a permanent prohibition on firecrackers in the national capital, the Supreme Court Monday said the restrictions were “hardly implemented” this Diwali and asked the Delhi government and police to explain what measures were taken to ensure enforcement of the ban. Referring to submissions made by amicus curiae Aparajitha Singh, who cited a report of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a bench of Justices A S Oka and Augustine George Masih said it showed an increase in pollution levels in Delhi as well as a spike in farm fires during Diwali. “There cannot be any dispute that the ban was hardly implemented. Moreover, the effect of the non-implementation of the ban is very apparent from the report of CSE, which shows that the pollution level in Delhi on Diwali in 2024 was at an all-time high. It was much higher than Diwali of 2022 and 2023. Moreover, the report indicates that even farm fires were on the rise during Diwali days,” the court observed, while also referring to media reports.

'Why ban on firecrackers was not followed?': SC to Delhi government, police

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Delhi government and police on why the ban on firecrackers during Diwali was not followed, amid the severe air pollution issue persisting in the national capital. Further, the apex court sought a response from the AAP government and Delhi police over the flouting of the firecracker ban in the capital. The court said that a chaotic situation is created by crackers if not controlled, and asked the government and capital police to explain what measures they are taking to prevent such a failure in the future. The Supreme Court bench said, “Some strict action, such as sealing of premises, needed against those violating firecrackers ban in Delhi.” It added, “We need to do something so that court orders on firecrackers ban are not violated during Diwali next year.” The court also asked the state to consider having a perpetual ban on crackers in Delhi, without restricting it to festival time. The court also sought responses from Punjab and Haryana to explain how farm fires during Diwali increased, as per a report by Centre for Science and Environment.

'Firecracker ban hardly implemented,' Supreme Court seeks explanation from Delhi govt, police

The Supreme Court has expressed its disapproval of the Delhi government’s handling of the firecracker ban during Diwali, stating that the restrictions were "hardly implemented" across the national capital. Observing that pollution levels hit a record high this Diwali, the court has asked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and Delhi police to explain the non implementation of ban. The Court noted that shops openly selling banned crackers were a blatant violation of its directive. “The effect of non-implementation is evident,” the bench remarked, referencing a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which revealed that pollution levels this Diwali surpassed those recorded in previous years. Additionally, the report pointed out a significant increase in farm fires during the same period, further exacerbating Delhi’s air quality crisis. The Court has instructed the Delhi government and police to outline specific measures to prevent a repeat of this situation in future years. Additionally, it suggested sealing shops found to be violating the ban to set a strong precedent. “We will examine this issue thoroughly,” the Court stated. The court has also asked the Delhi government to consider a year-round ban on firecrackers to address the persistent air quality issues in the city.

'We Need Immediate Answers': SC Rips Into Delhi Govt, Top Cop Over Cracker Ban Violation

The Supreme Court on Monday heard the matter relating to Delhi air pollutionamid rising concerns over deteriorating air quality in the national capital. The top court noted that reports in newspapers said that the ban on firecrackers was not implemented. "This is responsible for sudden deterioration In air quality," the court said. "What is the purpose of our order?" the bench asked. The courts said that there was a ban on the use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR and it has been violated. "Pollution is higher than 2022, 2023...Apparently, people were bringing crackers from other states," the court added. 'We Need Immediate Answers' The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Delhi police commissioner and the government asking what steps they took to implement the firecracker band order. "We will issue notice to Delhi police commissioner, will ask if SC order was implemented," it added. "It not be repeated next year. Notice issued to Delhi govt, commissioner of police," the top court said, adding that the two have to file a response within one week. The court said, "We need immediate answers...this should not happen next year." The apex court noted that there are two issues to consider. "Amicus Curiae has relied upon the reports by the Centre for Science and Environment to highlight the statistics. Delhi government's counsel stated that there was a ban on the use of crackers. There cannot be in dispute that the ban was hardly implemented," the court noted. It said that the effect of non-implementation of the ban is evident from the report which says pollution level this Diwali was all time high. "Higher than Diwali of 2022 and 2023. Moreover, report indicates that farm fires were on the rise. We direct Delhi government to file detailed affidavit placing on record order banning crackers and steps taken" the court added, The bench said the affidavit must indicate what steps they propose to take next year to ensure the ban on firecrackers is fully implemented. SC to Punjab and Haryana The Supreme Court told the lawyer for the Union of India to decide Punjab's proposal for the release of funds (for providing tractors with drivers etc to small farmers). "You cannot keep it pending. Specific direction was issued to decide within two weeks. Time to take decision extended by one week. Compliance is to be reported by 14th November," the bench said. It added that they must also decide on funds to provide alternative mechanism to farmers to remove stubble. The apex court ordered Punjab and Haryana to file affidavits indicating instances of stubble-burning and farm firesin the last 10 days. Delhi government has also been asked to also state if there were instances of fires in farms in limits of Delhi. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.

‘What steps taken’: SC issues notice to Delhi government, police over firecrackers ban

On Monday, the Supreme Court asked the Delhi government and police to respond quickly to the ban on firecrackers during Diwali. This ban, which is often only on paper, is announced every year but largely ignored, leading to dangerously polluted air covering Delhi and nearby areas for days after the festival. The court issued a notice to the Delhi government, run by the Aam Aadmi Party, and the police, which falls under the Union Home Minister, to provide details on what actions have been taken to enforce this ban on firecrackers this year. They are also seeking what plans are in place for next year to ensure a complete ban on firecrackers. This afternoon, Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih continued a lengthy (and yearly) hearing into the air quality crisis that plagues Delhi every year. "There are widespread news reports the ban on firecrackers (in Delhi NCR) was not implemented at all... this was supposed to be an important measure to reduce pollution," they said. The court asked the Delhi government, "What is the order (on the banning of firecrackers)... how is it being implemented... something has to be worked out," and assigned it the responsibility of developing a system "at least for next year" to guarantee that Delhi in 2025 does not choke on air pollutants. On Monday morning, the air quality in Delhi dropped significantly, reaching 'severe' levels four days after Diwali. Many neighbourhoods, including Anand Vihar, Rohini, Ashok Vihar, and Vivek Vihar, reported AQI readings above 400 on a scale of 500. Even wealthier areas like Lodi Road were affected by the pollution. As of 7 AM, the 24-hour average AQI was 373, which was nearly as high as Sunday’s season-worst reading of 382. This decline in air quality occurred despite a 15% decrease in pollution from farm fires, highlighting the ongoing issue. The air quality situation in the NCR region is still a concern. Noida recorded an AQI of 305, Ghaziabad at 295, and Gurugram at 276. Nearby states also experienced high AQI levels, with Hisar in Haryana at (372) and Sriganganagar (397) and Bharatpur (320) in Rajasthan. On the night after Diwali (November 2), PM2.5 levels in Delhi reached a hazardous level of 603 micrograms per cubic meter, which is 13% higher than the previous two years. The night of Diwali also saw increased levels of nitrogen dioxide, according to the Centre for Science and Environment. PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air that are 2.5 micrometres in diameter or smaller, and they can be harmful to health. The acceptable annual limit for these particles is 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Recently, the Supreme Court directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to provide affidavits that detail incidents of farm fires and agricultural waste burning that occurred between October 22 and 31, as these activities release pollutants into the air. The next court hearing is scheduled for November 14. The court also raised questions with the central government about creating and enforcing rules to impose financial penalties on farmers who burn waste material. In earlier hearings, Punjab and Haryana were criticised for not prosecuting these cases effectively.

SC asks Punjab, Haryana to explain rise in farm fires in last 10 days of October

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Punjab and Haryana governments to explain the rise in farm fires in the last 10 days of October. During hearing on the issue of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, a Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih referred to a report of the Centre for Science and Environment to point out that 2024 Diwali was warmer than that in 2022 and 2023. Taking strong exception to the flouting of its order banning firecrackers in Delhi, the top court asked the Delhi Government and the Delhi Police Commissioner to file affidavits within a week explaining why the ban on bursting firecrackers was violated during Diwali.

Supreme Court seeks response from Punjab, Haryana on hike in stubble burning cases

The Supreme Court of India has sought responses from the governments of Punjab and Haryana regarding the increase in stubble burning incidents during the last 10 days of October. The court has also asked the Delhi government and the Delhi Police for updates on measures taken to enforce the Diwali firecracker ban. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih noted a sharp rise in Delhi’s pollution levels during Diwali, citing media reports of widespread violations of court orders. The court has instructed the Delhi government and Police Commissioner to detail their actions to implement the ban and report enforcement measures taken against violators. The court said the need to record all orders banning the sale, production, and use of firecrackers in Delhi. Noting findings from the Centre for Science and Environment, the court highlighted that 2024’s Diwali night was warmer than in 2022 and 2023. The Punjab and Haryana governments have been asked to respond by November 14 on the increase in stubble burning incidents, while the Delhi government is expected to file its reply within a week. The court mentioned the potential need for stricter enforcement actions, such as sealing premises of those violating the firecracker ban, and indicated it will ensure compliance with orders on firecracker restrictions during Diwali 2025.

SC Calls Out Delhi Authorities Over Weak Enforcement Of Firecracker Ban, Suggests Stricter Measures

The Supreme Court on Monday took a strong stance on the flouting of the firecracker ban in Delhi during Diwali, questioning both the AAP government and the Delhi police over their inability to enforce the restriction. In light of the severe air pollution engulfing the national capital, the apex court emphasized the need for stricter action to ensure the ban is respected in the future. “Some strict action, such as sealing of premises, is needed against those violating the firecracker ban in Delhi,” the court stated, highlighting the importance of preventing a repeat of the pollution crisis. The court also suggested a long-term solution to the problem, asking the Delhi government to consider implementing a perpetual ban on firecrackers, instead of restricting the prohibition to festival periods. “We need to do something so that court orders on firecrackers ban are not violated during Diwali next year,” the court asserted, directing the Delhi government and the police commissioner to respond within a week on the steps taken to enforce the ban. This suggestion comes after a blanket of grey smog settled over the city following Diwali, with the air quality index (AQI) slipping into the ‘severe’ category on November 1. In certain areas, levels of particulate matter surged to seven times the World Health Organization’s recommended safety limit, exacerbating Delhi’s annual pollution crisis. A report from the Centre for Science and Environment noted a rise in farm fires in neighboring states during the Diwali period, prompting the court to seek responses from Punjab and Haryana on their actions to curb stubble burning, which contributes to Delhi’s smog. The combination of farm fires, cooler temperatures, and Diwali celebrations has turned post-October into a period of intensified air pollution in Delhi, causing health concerns for residents. The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi government, police, and neighboring states to submit their responses within a week, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for November 14. The court’s intervention signals a push for immediate and long-term solutions to tackle the persistent pollution crisis in the capital, which has become an annual challenge impacting millions of residents.