Following a plea from the Delhi government, the Supreme Court approved the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 21.
Importantly, the court restricted bursting times to 6–7 AM and 8–10 PM, aiming to minimize pollution while preserving festive traditions.
Moreover, Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran clarified that this is a temporary arrangement. They emphasized the need to evaluate whether regulated firecracker use can coexist with pollution control efforts. Consequently, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state boards must monitor air and water quality and submit a report covering October 14 to 21.
Additionally, the bench referred to its 2018 Arjun Gopal vs Union of India ruling, which introduced green firecrackers as a safer alternative. It condemned the use of smuggled, uncertified firecrackers due to their severe environmental impact.
To ensure compliance, the court mandated that firecrackers be sold only at designated outlets. Furthermore, manufacturers must upload QR codes of green crackers on official websites for traceability. Crackers from outside NCR are banned, and licences of violators will be suspended immediately.
Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, assured that only NEERI-approved green firecrackers would be permitted. He urged the court to allow children to celebrate Diwali with joy, while maintaining strict oversight.
However, experts remain cautious. They noted that similar relaxations between 2018 and 2020 failed to prevent pollution spikes. Last year, Delhi’s air quality reached hazardous levels, with PM readings exceeding 1,800 µg/m³ at some stations.
Ultimately, the court’s order aims to balance public sentiment, protect livelihoods, and uphold the constitutional right to clean air.
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