The Supreme Court said it is allowing bursting of green crackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 21 as a temporary measure only.
Delhi firecracker ban lifted for Diwali | File image/Courtesy: IANS
In a significant ruling for the people of Delhi, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the bursting of firecrackers in the National Capital Region during Diwali. The Court stated that this temporary relief will remain in effect from October 18 (Saturday) to October 21 (Tuesday).
The biggest Hindu festival of Diwali will be celebrated on October 20 (Monday) this year.
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It is worth noting that the Delhi government had earlier said that it will seek relief from the apex court on the firecracker ban in the capital for Diwali and will ask for permission to allow the bursting of green crackers during the annual festival. The firecracker ban remains in place in Delhi-NCR during the winter season due to high pollution levels.
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The Supreme Court today said that it is allowing the bursting of crackers from October 18 to 21 as a temporary measure only. According to the order, the bursting of green firecrackers will be permitted from 6 am to 7 am on Diwali, and again from 8 pm to 10 pm in the evening.
The court, in order to facilitate the availability of green crackers for the people of the region, also relaxed the ban on the sale of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali.
The court, however, made it clear that no crackers from outside Delhi-NCR will be allowed to be sold here. If any violation happens, then the licences of sellers will be suspended, the Supreme Court said.
Justifying the relaxation, the court said: “We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment.”
The Supreme Court bench also stated that the Central Pollution Control Board and the state pollution control boards of the National Capital Region will be tasked for monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) from October 18 onwards.
Additionally, the Court instructed that patrol teams conduct regular inspections of cracker manufacturers.
The Delhi government has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the use of green firecrackers, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stating that her government is committed to realizing the vision of a “green and prosperous Delhi.”
“We express our gratitude to the Honorable Supreme Court for granting permission to use green firecrackers in the capital at the special request of the Delhi government. This decision respects the sentiments and enthusiasm of the public during sacred festivals like Diwali, while also reflecting a balanced approach towards environmental protection,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
She further stated, “The Delhi government, while honoring public sentiments, remains fully committed to the resolve of a clean and green Delhi. Our goal is to ensure that the vibrancy of festivals remains intact while also safeguarding the environment. This Diwali, let us all come together to celebrate with green firecrackers, harmonizing festivity with environmental protection, and work towards realizing the resolve of a ‘green and prosperous Delhi.”
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