The Supreme Court on Wednesday relaxed the firecracker ban in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), allowing the sale and bursting of green firecrackers from October 18 to October 21, ahead of Diwali.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran permitted the bursting of green firecrackers only between 6 AM to 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM.
According to an ANI report, the bench said a “balanced approach” was required to ensure festive celebrations while protecting the environment. “We have to take a balanced approach, permitting bursting of green firecrackers in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” the judges said.
The court observed that illegally smuggled firecrackers in Delhi-NCR caused greater pollution than certified green firecrackers. Hence, it allowed limited sale and use of green variants with proper QR codes.
As a temporary measure, the bench directed the police authorities to form patrolling teams to ensure only approved firecrackers are sold and used. It further ordered that no firecrackers from outside the NCR be allowed in the region.
If fake or non-approved firecrackers are found, the seller’s licence will be suspended, the court warned. Only those approved by NEERI as certified green firecrackers will be permitted.
The Supreme Court also asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution boards to monitor air and water quality from October 14 to 21 and submit reports on the impact of fireworks on Delhi’s air.
The bench took note of the Delhi government’s October 2024 order that had imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers and later extended it to the entire NCR, stating that the decision required a relook in light of public sentiment and enforcement challenges.
The order came in connection with ongoing proceedings related to air pollution in the national capital region.
(With inputs from ANI)
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran permitted the bursting of green firecrackers only between 6 AM to 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM.
According to an ANI report, the bench said a “balanced approach” was required to ensure festive celebrations while protecting the environment. “We have to take a balanced approach, permitting bursting of green firecrackers in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” the judges said.
The court observed that illegally smuggled firecrackers in Delhi-NCR caused greater pollution than certified green firecrackers. Hence, it allowed limited sale and use of green variants with proper QR codes.
As a temporary measure, the bench directed the police authorities to form patrolling teams to ensure only approved firecrackers are sold and used. It further ordered that no firecrackers from outside the NCR be allowed in the region.
If fake or non-approved firecrackers are found, the seller’s licence will be suspended, the court warned. Only those approved by NEERI as certified green firecrackers will be permitted.
The Supreme Court also asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution boards to monitor air and water quality from October 14 to 21 and submit reports on the impact of fireworks on Delhi’s air.
The bench took note of the Delhi government’s October 2024 order that had imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers and later extended it to the entire NCR, stating that the decision required a relook in light of public sentiment and enforcement challenges.
The order came in connection with ongoing proceedings related to air pollution in the national capital region.
(With inputs from ANI)
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