New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the temporary sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during Diwali, setting clear timelines and guidelines to balance festive celebrations with environmental concerns.
A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said that green firecrackers can be sold between October 18 and 25, while their use will be allowed only from October 18 to 21 between 6 pm and 10 pm. The court directed police authorities to form special patrolling teams to ensure that only approved firecrackers with QR codes are sold. Strict action will be taken against anyone violating these norms.
The bench observed that while conventional firecrackers continue to be smuggled despite restrictions, the court must adopt a balanced approach that addresses both environmental and economic aspects. It noted that the earlier blanket ban on firecrackers had not led to a significant improvement in air quality, except during the Covid-19 lockdown period when emissions were minimal.
The court also prohibited the online sale of firecrackers through e-commerce platforms, emphasizing that only licensed physical outlets can distribute permitted green firecrackers.
Earlier, the court had reserved its verdict after the Centre and NCR states argued that a complete ban was impractical and often violated. The Solicitor General had urged the court to allow children to celebrate festivals responsibly, saying that a total ban was neither feasible nor effective.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality has slipped into the “poor” category, prompting authorities to activate Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Commission for Air Quality Management recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 211 on Monday and directed agencies to intensify road cleaning, control dust, curb open waste burning, and promote public transport.
The court’s order aims to strike a middle ground by allowing limited festivities while maintaining checks to minimize pollution during the festive season.
