Supreme Court allows sale, use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali

The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region between October 18 and 21, limiting the timings to 6-7 am and 8-10 pm, in what the top court described as a “balanced approach” between celebrating festivities and protecting the environment.

Supreme Court on green crackers (HT_PRINT)

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said the order was a temporary measure meant to assess whether a carefully regulated relaxation could coexist with efforts to curb pollution. The court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state boards to monitor air and water quality during the period and submit a report from October 14 to 21 on the impact of fireworks on Delhi’s air.

“We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” said the CJI, noting that smuggled firecrackers cause far greater damage than the certified green ones.