The Supreme Court of India has permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali, during designated time slots: 6 AM to 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM. This decision follows years of litigation over air pollution caused by firecrackers and aims to strike a balance between festive traditions and public health concerns.
The Court’s order permits green firecrackers only during the specified time slots on Diwali days. These time-bound restrictions are designed to minimize pollution exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Firecrackers are strictly prohibited within a 300-meter radius of hospitals, nursing homes, and silence zones, ensuring protection for sensitive populations from noise and air pollution.
The green firecrackers, developed by CSIR-NEERI, are claimed to produce 30% less pollution than conventional firecrackers. The Court acknowledged that these crackers are not entirely pollution-free but are a step toward mitigating environmental harm. The decision builds on last year’s test-case approval, where green crackers were permitted under similar restrictions.
The Supreme Court directed authorities to designate green cracker sale locations and enforce the restrictions rigorously.
The Court declined to impose a total ban on firecrackers, citing the need for data-driven decisions and the importance of festive sentiments among the population. The bench noted that a blanket ban in 2024 failed to improve air quality significantly, reinforcing the necessity for a more measured approach.
The Supreme Court directed authorities to designate green cracker sale locations and enforce the restrictions rigorously. The bench emphasized that effective enforcement is critical to achieving the intended environmental benefits.
- Green crackers permitted during 6 AM–7 AM and 8 PM–10 PM in Delhi-NCR. - 300-meter no-cracker zones around hospitals, nursing homes, and silence zones. - Green crackers produce 30% less pollution compared to conventional crackers, as claimed by CSIR-NEERI. - Test-case approval in the previous year provided a foundation for this year’s expanded permissions. - Court declined a complete ban, emphasizing the need for data and compliance to address pollution concerns. - Strict enforcement required to ensure the restrictions are followed, particularly to protect vulnerable groups.