SC permits sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali from Oct 18 to 21

The Supreme Court allowed for the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region during the festival of Diwali from October 18 to 21 on Wednesday. 

However, this will only include the ones that have been certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) on a trial basis. 

The apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran, stated, "We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment." It further noted that there is a huge racket, wherein firecrackers are smuggled in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali. These are those that are more polluting and destructive than green crackers. 

As of now, it is good news for Delhites and other locals in the NCR region, as they will be able to burst green crackers. The Center, as well as the Delhi Government, had jointly requested relaxation in the ban on firecrackers. But, there are certain conditions to abide by: 

• Timings: In its order, the SC bench directed that during the two days of the festival, crackers can be burst from 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. 

• Firecrackers certified by NEERI and PESO only will be allowed to burst. 

• The green crackers will only be sold at designated locations identified by the District Collector. If there is any unauthorized sale of crackers or uncertified green crackers, police patrolling units will seize the unit. 

• The patrolling teams will keep a close vigil, with regular checks on firecracker manufacturers. The proprietors will also have to upload their QR codes to websites. 

• Moreover, firecrackers bought from outside of Delhi are barred from sale in the capital region. If they are, then the license of sellers will be suspended. 

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state PCBs have also been instructed to monitor air quality, collect samples of sand and water, and submit a report for the duration between October 14 and 21. 

​The Supreme Court will again monitor the matter after three weeks. Earlier, the bench had reserved its order, stating that it would decide on the relaxation in the "absolute ban" on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region.