With the Supreme Court permitting the limited use of green crackers during Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has emphasized that licensed firecracker manufacturers must ensure only green firecrackers are sold in Delhi-NCR. He warned that any seller caught offering non-green firecrackers will face suspension of their license.
Speaking at a press conference, Sirsa clarified that green firecrackers can be burst in Delhi from October 18 to 20, with specific time slots from 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm each day. He added that Deputy Commissioners will oversee the granting of permission for the sale of green firecrackers at designated locations, but stressed that these crackers cannot be sold online through e-commerce platforms. Licensed manufacturers are required to sell only green firecrackers in the region.
“If anyone is found selling regular firecrackers, their license will be revoked,” Sirsa stated. He also mentioned that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution control boards will closely monitor pollution levels and air quality index (AQI) readings, in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines.
The Supreme Court had earlier relaxed firecracker restrictions for the Delhi-NCR region, allowing the sale and use of green firecrackers from October 18 to 21. A bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandra noted that while it is important to celebrate festivities, a “balanced approach” is necessary to protect the environment. The Court approved the bursting of green firecrackers within the designated hours of 6-7 am and 8-10 pm, emphasizing moderation to prevent environmental harm.
Additionally, the Court directed the police to set up patrolling teams to ensure that only green firecrackers with QR codes are sold. It also stipulated that firecrackers not approved by NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) as green crackers will not be allowed.
