Supreme Court permits green crackers on Diwali in Delhi-NCR, sets time limits
The Supreme Court was told that enforcing restrictions on conventional firecrackers remains difficult, particularly because there is no reliable way to confirm whether products sold as green crackers actually meet the required standards.
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court on Monday allowed people in Delhi-NCR to burst green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, during set hours on the eve of Diwali and the festival day.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale permitted firecrackers from 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm on both days. The court also barred firecrackers within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones. These places, along with educational institutions, will be marked as “No-Cracker Zones”, with signs and public announcements to inform people of the restrictions.
"It concerns every living being," the bench said.
"There is no point in passing orders and directions unless you give effect to them on the ground, otherwise, it becomes a mockery," the court had added, underlining the need for effective implementation.
Last week, the court declined to impose a complete ban on firecrackers. However, it said restrictions would have little effect unless authorities enforced them strictly. The bench told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, that officials must take the matter seriously and ensure the rules are followed.
The court also said that controlling firecracker use required cooperation from everyone. It suggested involving well-known people, including sportspersons, in campaigns about the health and environmental impact of firecrackers. The bench said officials should remain on the ground to monitor compliance.
Delhi lists pollution control measures
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Bhati told the bench about steps planned by the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management to address winter air pollution.
She said Delhi had prepared a detailed action plan, with measures set to begin in November. These include restrictions on older vehicles, limits on construction and demolition work, and staggered office timings across the capital.
Concerns over green crackers being sold as firecrackers
The Supreme Court was told that enforcing restrictions on conventional firecrackers remains difficult, particularly because there is no reliable way to confirm whether products sold as green crackers actually meet the required standards.
An advocate assisting the court as amicus curiae in the suo motu case said firecrackers release large amounts of harmful particles that can enter the body and damage the lungs and other organs.
She also pointed to a rise in Delhi-NCR’s Air Quality Index during Dussehra last week and questioned whether manufacturers’ and sellers’ claims about green crackers could be properly verified.
The Supreme Court was hearing two petitions: one taken up on its own initiative concerning air pollution in Delhi-NCR, including firecrackers, stubble burning and solid-waste management; and another seeking a ban on the manufacture of firecrackers.
In October last year, the court had conditionally allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during specific hours around Diwali. The permission was granted on a trial basis and was limited to the period stated in the court’s order.