Supreme Court Allows Sale and Bursting of Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR During Diwali

New Delhi, October 15: The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region for Diwali celebrations, between October 18 and 21. The court limited timings for bursting crackers to 6-7 am and 8-10 pm, calling it a “balanced approach” to allow festivities while protecting the environment. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran said the order is temporary and will help assess whether regulated relaxation of restrictions can coexist with pollution control measures. The court directed the Central Pollution Control Board and state boards to monitor air and water quality during this period and submit a report on the impact of fireworks from October 14 to 21. The judges emphasized that the approach seeks to balance festive sentiments, the livelihoods of firecracker manufacturers, and the public’s right to clean air. The bench also noted that smuggled and uncertified firecrackers cause much greater pollution than certified green ones. The court referred to its 2018 judgment in Arjun Gopal vs Union of India, which introduced the concept of green firecrackers. That judgment allowed limited use of environmentally safer crackers and community displays under supervision. The Supreme Court said that these directions remain valid but recognized the need to revisit the blanket ban imposed by the Delhi government in October 2024. Under the temporary framework, firecrackers can only be sold from designated points of sale, and authorities will conduct regular checks on manufacturers. Green crackers must carry QR codes uploaded on official websites for traceability. No firecrackers from outside the NCR are allowed in the region, and manufacturers dealing in fake or non-compliant products will face immediate license suspension. The court’s decision builds on a hearing last week, when it suggested a trial allowance of firecrackers during Diwali while acknowledging enforcement challenges. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said only NEERI-approved green crackers would be permitted and traditional fireworks would remain banned. He urged that children should be allowed to celebrate Diwali while ensuring strict oversight. Experts, however, warned that even with green crackers, pollution levels can spike. Between 2018 and 2020, despite using green firecrackers, air quality during Diwali remained severe. Last year, data from 40 monitoring stations in Delhi showed particulate matter levels exceeding 1,800 micrograms per cubic metre in some areas, far above the WHO safe limits. To strengthen enforcement, manufacturers must register their products with PESO and state pollution boards, maintain detailed sales records, and ensure QR-coded traceability. Surprise inspections and public awareness campaigns are also planned to support compliance. The Supreme Court’s order aims to allow citizens to enjoy Diwali responsibly, while minimizing environmental harm and maintaining public health standards. Authorities will closely monitor the air quality and effectiveness of these measures during the festival period, which marks a key test for balancing tradition with environmental responsibility. Supreme Court Allows Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 21, with timings limited to 6-7 am and 8-10 pm. The order aims to balance festive celebrations, public health, and environmental protection. Firecrackers must be sold from designated points, carry QR codes for traceability, and manufacturers dealing in fake products will face license suspension. Authorities will monitor air and water quality during the period. Only NEERI-approved green crackers are allowed, while traditional fireworks remain banned. The move seeks to let people celebrate Diwali responsibly without compromising the environment.