NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has permitted the manufacture, sale and bursting of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for a strictly regulated period around Diwali.
The court has allowed their sale from Wednesday (Nov 4) to Friday (Nov 6) and their bursting for three hours each on Saturday (Nov 7) and Sunday (Nov 8), while directing that the complete ban on firecrackers will resume on Monady (Nov 9).
A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale permitted the bursting of approved green crackers between 6am and 7am and from 8pm to 10pm on Nov 7 and 8.
It also prohibited the bursting of firecrackers within 300 metres of hospitals, healthcare centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones, which are to be designated as “No-Cracker Zones”.
The relaxation is subject to stringent safeguards aimed at preventing conventional and unauthorised crackers from entering the market under the label of green crackers.
The court directed manufacturers to possess valid CSIR-NEERI certification and licences from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
They may manufacture only those green crackers whose details have been uploaded to the CSIR-NEERI website.
Every box must be sealed and carry a product- and batch-specific QR code containing details of the manufacturer, registration, licence, formulation and test certification.
The court prohibited the manufacture and sale of joined-series crackers, commonly known as ladis, as well as crackers containing barium or those not approved by CSIR-NEERI.
The transfer or misuse of QR codes could result in the cancellation of registration or licences.
District administrations have been directed to identify designated sale points, with sales prohibited at all other locations, including through online platforms.
Police teams must inspect markets, verify QR codes, seize illegal firecrackers and initiate prosecution against violators.
Vehicles entering Delhi-NCR must also be checked for the transportation of prohibited crackers.
The court further directed the Central Pollution Control Board, in consultation with the State Pollution Control Boards, to prepare daily air-quality reports covering Nov 2–6, Nov 7–8 and Nov 9–30.
Sand and water samples are also to be collected for comparative analysis.
Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring stations reported to be non-functional must be inspected and repaired without delay.
Authorities have also been directed to undertake post-festival cleaning and solid-waste disposal, particularly in highly polluted areas.
The bench further directed the publication of the Winter Action Plan 2026, the Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2026 and the CAQM Annual Action Plan.
It also called for awareness campaigns through schools, the Delhi Metro and other public platforms.
Authorities must file compliance affidavits by Dec 14, detailing enforcement measures, designated sale locations, prosecutions, AQI trends and post-Diwali hospital admissions.
The matter will next be heard on Dec 16. - The Statesman/ANN
