According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Saturday was 268, up from 254 on Friday and 245 on Thursday.
Speaking on the development, Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa said, “This decision brings relief to Delhi residents who wish to celebrate Diwali in the traditional way.”
Only green crackers can be busted on Diwali (from 8 pm to 10 pm), Gurpurab (from 4 am to 5 am and from 9 pm to 10 pm), Christmas Eve (from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am), and New Year's Eve (from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am).
Strict action will be taken against those selling firecrackers without licence, said Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
The Air Quality Commission has said that diesel generators can be used uninterrupted for emergency services.
The board has announced a complete ban on the sale and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers in the state, except the environment-friendly ones, until further orders.
A bench of Justices MR Shah and AS Bopanna said the top court is not averse to celebration but not at the cost of life of other citizens.
Last week, amid projections of worsening pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court held that only green crackers would be sold in Delhi-NCR this Diwali.
It is not often that the apex court holds a prima facie view without quite confirming it but that is…
