The Supreme Court has permitted the use of approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, preceding Diwali 2026. This decision comes with stringent conditions for manufacturers, sellers, and consumers, aiming to control pollution in the region.
Manufacturers must obtain certifications from both CSIR-NEERI and PESO. They are only allowed to produce green crackers listed on the CSIR-NEERI website during a specific manufacturing window from November 2 to 6. Additionally, firecrackers containing barium and those joined in series, known as ‘ladis’, are prohibited.
Consumers can verify approved green crackers by scanning product-specific QR codes, which should provide details about the manufacturer and certifications. The bursting of these crackers is restricted to specific times and locations, with a 300-meter exclusion zone around hospitals, educational institutions, and silence zones.
The court emphasized that while a complete ban might seem ideal, there is insufficient data to determine if it is the best solution for pollution. The sale of fireworks is limited to designated locations, and online sales remain prohibited. Authorities are also tasked with monitoring air quality and preventing the entry of illegal firecrackers into the NCR.
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Source: livemint.com
