In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during the upcoming Diwali festival, but with strict conditions designed to curb air pollution and ensure environmental safety. The court’s decision came on October 14, 2025, allowing the sale of eco-friendly firecrackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), a body recognized for testing and certifying the safety and environmental compliance of firecrackers.
Green Firecrackers: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court’s decision is a temporary measure aimed at striking a balance between environmental concerns and the cultural celebration of Diwali, which has long been associated with the use of fireworks. While the ruling acknowledges the tradition of lighting firecrackers, it emphasizes the need for these festivities to be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
The court’s ruling applies specifically to Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and lays down stringent guidelines for the sale and use of green firecrackers—those that emit significantly lower amounts of harmful pollutants compared to traditional firecrackers. Here are the key provisions from the ruling:
- Sale Period and Timing of Use:
- Green firecrackers are allowed to be sold in Delhi-NCR only from October 18 to October 20, covering both Diwali (October 20) and the day before (October 19).
- The use of firecrackers will be permitted only during two specific time windows: from 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm on October 19 (the day before Diwali) and October 20 (Diwali day).
- Regulation of Firecracker Sales:
- Firecrackers sold must be from licensed traders who deal exclusively with green crackers manufactured by registered manufacturers listed with NEERI.
- E-commerce sales of firecrackers will not be allowed, ensuring that only in-person sales at designated locations are permitted. This is a critical measure to prevent the illegal online sale of non-approved, hazardous firecrackers.
- Any firecrackers that do not meet NEERI’s green cracker standards or are found in violation of the guidelines will be confiscated immediately by authorities. This includes firecrackers containing barium and other banned substances.
- Designated Locations for Sale:
- The Supreme Court mandates that firecrackers can only be sold at designated locations within the NCR. These locations will be identified by the district collector in consultation with the district superintendent of police.
- The designated sale areas must be widely publicized to inform the public and ensure that traders and consumers adhere to the legal sale zones.
- Monitoring and Enforcement:
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), along with the state pollution control boards, will be responsible for monitoring air quality across NCR starting October 14. The authorities will keep track of the Air Quality Index (AQI) to gauge the impact of firecracker use on pollution levels.
- Special patrol teams will be established by local police and district authorities to vigilantly oversee the sale and use of firecrackers. These teams will be trained to identify NEERI-approved firecrackers and check for the presence of QR codes that are issued by registered manufacturers. Random samples of firecrackers will be collected for testing to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Consequences for Violations:
- Traders or manufacturers found in violation of the court’s orders, including the sale of non-green or unauthorized firecrackers, will face severe penalties. Their licenses may be revoked and their registrations with authorities such as PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) or NEERI could be cancelled. This step is intended to serve as a deterrent against illegal or non-compliant sales.
The Role of Green Firecrackers in Reducing Pollution
Green firecrackers are a relatively new innovation in the world of Diwali celebrations. These firecrackers, developed by NEERI in collaboration with other organizations, are designed to be environmentally friendly, with reduced emissions of harmful pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide. They also produce lower noise levels compared to traditional firecrackers.
One of the key benefits of green firecrackers is that they release significantly fewer toxic gases, making them a safer and more sustainable option for communities. However, despite the environmental benefits, experts caution that even green firecrackers contribute to air pollution, particularly during a time like Diwali when the volume of firecracker use is significantly higher than usual.
Therefore, the Supreme Court’s decision to limit the time window during which firecrackers can be used—coupled with strict regulations on their sale—aims to mitigate the environmental impact and ensure that air quality does not deteriorate to hazardous levels.
Air Pollution Concerns: Why Stringent Regulations Are Necessary
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR is a chronic problem, particularly during the winter months, when factors like stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and weather patterns exacerbate the Air Quality Index (AQI). Diwali, known for the widespread use of firecrackers, is one of the key contributors to the seasonal spike in pollution levels.
In recent years, public health experts have raised concerns about the long-term effects of pollution on respiratory health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The Supreme Court’s decision to implement strict rules on firecracker use is a response to these growing concerns, aiming to balance tradition with public health considerations.
Additionally, reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations have shown that Delhi consistently ranks among the most polluted cities globally, and this problem is compounded during the Diwali festival. The court’s ruling thus provides a critical opportunity to curb pollution levels while still allowing the celebration of cultural traditions.
Looking Ahead: A Balanced Approach to Diwali Celebrations
While the Supreme Court’s ruling brings some relief to the millions of people eager to celebrate Diwali with firecrackers, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to find a balance between cultural practices and the environment. The sale and use of green firecrackers, though an important step forward, still need to be closely regulated to ensure their environmental benefits are fully realized.
Moreover, public awareness campaigns and community engagement will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the regulations. Consumers and traders must be educated about the importance of adhering to the guidelines, not just for the sake of legal compliance, but for the well-being of their communities and the environment.
As Diwali approaches, the key will be for authorities, citizens, and businesses to work together to ensure that the celebrations are both festive and responsible, leading to a greener, safer, and cleaner festival.
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