Need of a Pan-India Policy for the Right to Clean Air
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment (Air Pollution, Green Crackers); Indian Polity and Governance (Judiciary - Judicial Activism, Fundamental Rights - Article 21, Statutory Bodies - CAQM).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Judiciary; Government policies and interventions; Separation of powers.
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment): Environmental pollution and degradation.
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): The social/cultural aspect of festivals and its conflict with environmental regulations.
Essay: The "Development/Livelihood vs. Environment" debate is a classic essay topic.
Key Highlights from the News
The Supreme Court orally observed that the ban on firecrackers should not be limited to Delhi alone, but a pan-India basis policy is needed.
Chief Justice B.R. Gavai stated that pollution-free air is the right of every citizen in the country.
However, the court reminded that when formulating a new policy, the livelihood of the poor dependent on this industry should also be considered. This highlights a complex conflict between Environment vs. Livelihood.
The Supreme Court had earlier upheld a complete ban on the sale and manufacture of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The court indicated that the ban might be reconsidered only if it is scientifically proven that green crackers cause significantly less pollution.
The Supreme Court has sought a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on this matter.
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