Supreme Court Imposes Total Firecracker Ban in UP, Rajasthan, Haryana Under EPA

The Supreme Court has imposed a complete ban on firecrackers in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act (EPA), following a compliance affidavit filed by the Delhi government.

Each state is directed to establish a grievance redressal mechanism to address public complaints and monitor violations related to firecracker usage. Awareness campaigns must also be launched to inform citizens of the ban and its legal consequences.

The Court also criticised governance lapses, highlighting vacant posts and underutilised funds in bodies like the CPCB and CAQM.

States have been ordered to act within one month to ensure strict compliance.