News Desk: The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the sale and bursting of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for two days ahead of Diwali, while making it clear that a complete ban will return from November 9.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale permitted people to burst green firecrackers between 6am and 7am and again from 8pm to 10pm on November 7 and 8. The court said the relaxation would remain temporary and would be subject to strict conditions to control air pollution.
The bench said a complete ban might appear to be the ideal solution, but previous restrictions had failed to significantly improve air quality or prevent the illegal sale and use of conventional firecrackers. It observed that many traditional crackers continued to be sold in the market under the label of green firecrackers.
The court therefore decided to adopt a regulated approach rather than continue with a blanket prohibition. It also stressed that better coordination between authorities and regular monitoring were necessary to ensure effective implementation.
Under the new directions, manufacturers with valid certifications from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) can manufacture approved green firecrackers between November 2 and 6.
Only products listed on the CSIR-NEERI website will be allowed for sale. Their packaging must remain sealed, and every box must carry a product-specific QR code containing details of the manufacturer, registration and test certification. Online sales have been strictly prohibited, while physical sales will be allowed only at designated locations approved by the authorities.
The court has also banned firecrackers joined in series, commonly known as 'laris', along with crackers containing barium and products that do not have the required certification. Traders violating the rules could face immediate cancellation of their licences.
The permitted bursting hours will not apply within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions, old-age homes and notified silence zones. These areas will be declared no-cracker zones.
The Supreme Court has directed pollution-control authorities to monitor air quality and collect data on the environmental and health impact of the temporary relaxation. Hospital admissions and pollution-related deaths will also be monitored.
State governments have been asked to submit compliance reports by December 14. The matter will be taken up again on December 16.
The court clarified that the temporary permission should not be treated as approval for unrestricted firecracker use. It emphasised that festive celebrations must not come at the cost of public health and the environment.
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