New Delhi: The Supreme Court has conditionally allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR this Diwali, making it clear that the relaxation is “on a test case basis” and subject to strict environmental oversight.
According to officials quoted by PTI, joint enforcement teams from multiple agencies, including the Delhi Police, will patrol across the region to ensure that only NEERI and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-approved green firecrackers with QR codes are sold and used within the permitted hours.
The apex court directed Delhi Police to process temporary sale licence applications for two days to ensure timely readiness for Diwali sales. Retailers will have an additional two days after the festival to return or safely dispose of unsold stock, after which all restrictions will be reinstated.
Around 140 PESO-certified retailers across the national capital will receive temporary licences to sell the approved eco-friendly crackers.
Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa chaired a high-level meeting with enforcement agencies and industry representatives to finalise the implementation plan. “We need everyone’s cooperation because only QR code-enabled green crackers will be allowed. Any stock without QR codes will be confiscated, and licences will be suspended,” Sirsa said.
Permitted activities:
Sale window for green firecrackers: October 18–20
Bursting allowed only between 6–7 AM and 8–10 PM on October 19–20
Only NEERI-approved green firecrackers emitting 30% less particulate matter and gases allowed
Only licensed traders with renewed or temporarily validated permits can sell
Prohibited activities:
Conventional, high-emission, or barium-based crackers, and series ‘ladi’ crackers banned
Bursting outside permitted hours or in unlicensed areas prohibited
Online purchase from e-commerce platforms disallowed
Roadside and uncertified firecracker sales banned
Officials said the directives will be strictly implemented through intensified foot patrols, surprise inspections, and air quality monitoring across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. PESO will conduct sample testing at sale outlets, while pollution control boards will ensure real-time compliance.
Enforcement teams will be deployed in markets and residential zones to seize illegal stocks and impose heavy penalties on violators.
The court’s cautious relaxation seeks to balance festive celebrations with public health and environmental safety amid rising pollution levels in the region.
