New Delhi: Bringing festive cheer ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 21, but under strict conditions. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran said that only crackers certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) will be permitted on a trial basis.
The court said the move was aimed at striking a balance between celebration and environmental protection. “We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” the bench observed.
However, the court made it clear that bursting of crackers will be allowed only between 6–7 am and 8–10 pm on the two days of Diwali. It also expressed concern over the smuggling of banned fireworks into Delhi-NCR, noting that these cause far more pollution than the approved green crackers.
The order comes as a relief for many residents looking forward to celebrating the festival of lights after years of restrictions, even as the capital braces for its annual battle with deteriorating air quality.
BI Bureau
