Supreme Court Permits Green Crackers in Delhi for Diwali 2023: A Balanced Approach to Festive Celebrations and Environmental Protection

Supreme Court has eased restrictions on green crackers for a limited timeframe during Diwali festivities in Delhi and surrounding regions.

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court has permitted the use and sale of green crackers during Diwali in Delhi and adjacent cities, easing a complete prohibition on fireworks in a capital that faces severe pollution challenges each winter season. Green crackers are considered environmentally less harmful than traditional varieties, and this temporary allowance aims to enhance festive celebrations while addressing environmental concerns.

A bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai announced that green crackers will be permitted only between October 18-21, emphasizing the necessity for a "balanced approach" following years of comprehensive bans on firecrackers that were frequently violated. With Diwali falling on October 20, fireworks will be restricted to specific hours: 6 am-7 am and 6 pm-10 pm on these designated days.

The Chief Justice noted, "Since the firecrackers are smuggled in, they cause more damage than green firecrackers. We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment."

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court, stating that the decision respects public sentiment during Diwali while safeguarding the environment. "The Delhi government, while honoring public sentiments, is 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," she remarked.

Senior cabinet minister Kapil Mishra attributed this change to the new BJP government in Delhi, claiming that "bans on Hindu festivals" are being reversed. "The government has changed; bans on Hindus' festivals have stopped. After years, the people of Delhi will celebrate Diwali in the traditional way," he stated.

Last year, the court had implemented a year-round prohibition on all firecrackers across northern states in response to unprecedented pollution levels. This prohibition encompassed the bursting, manufacturing, storage, sale, and purchase of all firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR), Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, including green crackers.

Today's ruling relaxes the ban specifically for green crackers during a brief period under certain conditions.

The Supreme Court bench, which includes Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria, specified that only certified manufacturers in Delhi-NCR are authorized to produce green crackers. These manufacturers must possess permits from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.

The court prohibited crackers from outside regions in the NCR and barred e-commerce platforms from selling any firecrackers.

Additionally, patrol teams are required to conduct regular inspections of green cracker manufacturers and upload QR codes of green crackers online. The court warned that manufacturers found producing counterfeit green crackers will face license suspension.

The court has also instructed central and state pollution control authorities to monitor air quality starting from October 18 and submit a report to the court.