Supreme Court Permits Green Firecrackers In Delhi-NCR This Diwali: Timings, Rules, & Safety Measures Explained

There is some good news for Delhi-NCR residents this Diwali, thanks to the Supreme Court. The court on Wednesday permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in the area, subject to strict guidelines to guarantee the celebration doesn’t negatively impact the environment. According to the order, people can burst firecrackers between October 18 and 21, but only during 6-7 am in the morning and 8-10 pm in the evening. The court called this a “balanced approach” that lets people celebrate while also protecting the air we breathe.

Delhi-NCR Residents Can Burst Green Firecrackers This Diwali

The decision came from a bench led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, who said this is a temporary arrangement. The goal is to see if it is possible to allow firecrackers in a controlled way without increasing pollution. As per the Hindustan Times reports, during this period, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution boards will monitor air and water quality in Delhi and submit a report on the effect of the fireworks. He also pointed out that smuggled firecrackers are far more harmful than certified green ones.

Green firecrackers were first introduced in India in 2018 through a Supreme Court ruling in the Arjun Gopal case. They are designed to produce less smoke and fewer harmful gases than traditional crackers, roughly 30–35% lower emissions, the Hindustan Times reported. While not completely pollution-free, they are considered a safer option for the environment.

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What Are The Rules For This Diwali?

To sell and use green crackers, the Supreme Court has put in place a comprehensive set of rules:

• Only approved retailers are permitted to sell firecrackers.
• A team will be responsible for inspecting manufacturers on a regular basis and make sure they are in compliance.
• QR codes on green crackers must be uploaded online to track their authenticity.
• No firecrackers from outside the NCR will be allowed in the region.
• Licenses of manufacturers dealing in fake or non-compliant crackers will be suspended immediately.

These rules aim to balance three things: people’s festive enjoyment, the livelihood of firecracker sellers, and the right to clean air.

During last week’s hearings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that only green crackers approved by NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) will be allowed, while traditional firecrackers remain banned, Hindustan Times reported. He urged the court to let children enjoy Diwali celebrations safely.

How Will This Be Enforced?

To ensure these rules are followed, strict measures have been taken:

• For both state pollution boards and PESO, product registrations are mandatory.
• It is necessary to keep thorough records of sales.
• QR codes must be used to ensure traceability.
• Surprise inspections will be carried out.

The ruling by the Supreme Court will enable people to enjoy Diwali while taking the environment into consideration. Public cooperation and strict enforcement are necessary for this trial to be successful.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/missisya