Lithium, Arsenic, antimony, lead and mercury – These five metals have been banned by Apex court to use them in firecrackers. These five metals are very harmful for health and cause large amount of air pollution when used on festivals like Diwali and on other occasions such as marriages and celebrations.
The ban was imposed after on the basis of earlier petition filled by three Children of Delhi. They had requested to supreme court to take some hard decisions on the use of firecrackers during festivals like Diwali.
The Apex court told that it is the responsibility of Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to make it sure that the ban order is followed properly. The Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is the area where large number of manufacturers of firecrackers exists. So, court asked PESO to pay special attention to that particular area to ensure that future work is done as per the new order. The court asked Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and PSEO to work collaboratively to set up standards and instructions regarding the pollution caused by firecrackers.
About PESO:
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization is Government of India department which takes care and administers the usage of explosives and petrol stations in India. The department issues operational licences to: Petrol Stations, Vehicle used for transportation of petroleum products and Refineries etc.
Headquarter of the department is at Nagpur Maharashtra and Chief Controller of Explosives.
About Central Pollution Control Board
CPEB is a statuary organization that works under the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change. It is the supreme organization of country for pollution control. The headquarter of the organization is in New Delhi. It was established in 1974 under Water act,1974. It also work under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The Chairman of the board is nominated by the central Government.
Shri S.P Singh – Current Chairman
Functioning: CPEB provides technical assistance to of State pollution control boards and also handles their disputes. Also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
