In a major development ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi till October 21, relaxing the four-year blanket ban on fireworks.
The apex court said the move aims to strike a balance between environmental protection and the cultural and economic significance of Diwali celebrations. The ruling came during an ongoing hearing on air pollution and festive restrictions in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Green crackers — developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) — are designed to emit 30% less particulate matter and at least 10% fewer gaseous emissions than traditional fireworks. They use smaller shell sizes, non-toxic chemicals, and dust-suppressing additives to minimize air pollution.
Only certified manufacturers are allowed to produce these eco-friendly crackers, ensuring compliance with environmental safety standards.
The order marks a significant shift from previous years when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a complete ban on all firecrackers in Delhi-NCR in 2020. The Supreme Court later upheld and extended the restriction in April 2024, allowing no exemptions unless clear evidence of environmental safety was presented.
The court’s decision followed detailed reviews of reports submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and NEERI. These findings suggested that limited use of green crackers could be permitted under strict regulation.
With the ruling, residents in Delhi can now celebrate Diwali using only certified green crackers till October 21. However, experts have cautioned that even restricted use might worsen air quality, which typically plummets in late October due to stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and construction dust.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often slips into the “severe” category during this period, prompting concerns that any additional emissions could undo months of pollution-control efforts.
