The Supreme Court on Wednesday approved the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali on October 20, but imposed strict timing limits. According to the court, crackers can be burst only between 6 am and 7 am, and then from 8 pm to 10 pm. The sale of green crackers will be allowed from October 18 to 20.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, while reading out the order, said, “As a temporary measure, we allow the bursting of crackers from October 19 to 20. Smuggled firecrackers cause more harm than certified green ones. We must strike a balance, allowing celebrations while protecting the environment.”

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, clarified that only certified green crackers with QR codes will be permitted, and bursting should be confined to designated areas.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Patrol teams, formed by police in consultation with district administrations and including officials from the State Pollution Control Boards, will oversee points of sale. Crackers imported from outside the Delhi-NCR region will not be allowed. Violators of the rules may face penalties, and their licences or registrations could be revoked.

Crackers containing harmful chemicals such as barium, or those not approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) as green crackers, are strictly prohibited. The court also banned the sale of firecrackers on e-commerce platforms.

The Central and State Pollution Control Boards, along with their district offices, have been instructed to monitor air quality, and submit reports covering October 14 to 25.

Background

The Supreme Court’s order follows pleas from the Centre and Delhi government seeking permission to manufacture and sell green crackers during festive seasons, including Diwali, Christmas, and Guru Purab, with usage limited to specific hours.

Earlier this year, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had announced a year-round ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and bursting of all firecrackers to curb the capital’s worsening air pollution. Four months prior, the Supreme Court had imposed a blanket ban on all firecrackers, including green ones, in Delhi-NCR.

In 2024, the AAP government had enforced a similar restriction, which was opposed by the BJP, arguing it hurt the sentiments of Delhi residents. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had promised to lift the ban if the party came to power in Delhi.