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

 

 

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.

 

 

As a temporary arrangement, the bench laid down a detailed framework. It held that green firecrackers can be sold only from designated points of sale, and patrol teams must conduct regular checks on manufacturers. The QR codes of green crackers must be uploaded on official websites to ensure traceability.

 

 

Additionally, no crackers from outside the NCR shall be allowed into the region, said the bench. The court further ordered that the licences of manufacturers found dealing in fake or non-compliant products will be suspended immediately. The bench said these measures were aimed at balancing the “sentiments of individuals during the festive season, livelihood concerns of the industry, and the right to clean air.”