New Delhi: The Supreme Court has allowed people in Delhi-NCR to burst certified green firecrackers for two days ahead of Diwali. The permission will be valid only on November 7 and 8, during fixed hours.
People can burst green firecrackers between 6 AM and 7 AM and 8 PM and 10 PM on both days. However, a complete ban on firecrackers will return from November 9.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale said that a limited permission was better than a complete ban at this stage. The Court observed that even after earlier restrictions, illegal firecrackers continued to be sold and used in Delhi-NCR.
Why Did the Supreme Court Allow Green Firecrackers?
The Court said that firecrackers add to air pollution, but a complete ban had not fully stopped their use.
In many cases, normal firecrackers were being sold illegally in the name of green crackers.
The Court said that genuine green firecrackers should be allowed for a short period under strict rules. It also stressed that the authorities must properly check their sale and use.
The Court also reminded people that celebrating festivals should not come at the cost of public health and the environment.
Strict Rules for Buying Green Firecrackers
The Supreme Court has issued clear instructions for manufacturers and sellers.
- Only green firecrackers approved by CSIR-NEERI and PESO can be sold.
- Manufacturing of approved green crackers is allowed from November 2 to 6.
- Sales will take place only at government-approved locations.
- Online sales of firecrackers are not allowed.
- Every box must have a special QR code to confirm that the product is genuine.
- The boxes must remain sealed so that normal firecrackers cannot be mixed with green crackers.
The QR code will help buyers check the manufacturer’s name, licence and safety test details.
Normal Firecrackers and Laris Remain Banned
The Supreme Court has clearly banned several types of firecrackers.
These include:
- Traditional firecrackers that are not approved.
- Firecrackers containing barium.
- Long chains of crackers, commonly known as laris.
- Products not listed on the CSIR-NEERI website.
Authorities have also been asked to seize illegal firecrackers and take legal action against those selling or making them.
No Firecrackers Near Hospitals and Schools
The Court has also declared certain areas as no-cracker zones.
People will not be allowed to burst even green firecrackers within 300 metres of:
- Hospitals and nursing homes.
- Health centres.
- Schools and educational institutions.
- Old-age homes.
- Areas officially marked as silence zones.
These areas must be clearly marked so that people know where firecrackers are not allowed.
Court Says Festivals and Clean Air Both Matter
The Supreme Court also discussed the importance of Diwali and the right of people to celebrate their festivals.
However, it said that religious freedom must be balanced with public health and the right to live in a clean environment.
The Court observed that pollution affects everyone, including children, elderly people and animals.
It said that allowing the environment to become unhealthy goes against the real spirit of celebrations.
The message from the Supreme Court is clear: People can enjoy Diwali with certified green firecrackers for two days, but they must follow the rules and respect the health of others.
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