Supreme Court Relaxes Firecracker Ban in Delhi-NCR for Diwali: Green Crackers Allowed on Trial Basis with Strict Timings

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The Supreme Court has relaxed the complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali, permitting the sale and use of green crackers on a trial basis for two days from October 18 to 20, 2025, with specific timings, following requests from the Centre and considering enforcement challenges, to test if regulated use can balance cultural celebrations with air quality protection amid rising pollution concerns.

Key Points

1. 1. The Supreme Court permitted the manufacture, sale, and bursting of NEERI and PESO-approved green crackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 20, 2025, as a temporary trial measure.
2. 2. Bursting timings restricted to 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali eve and Diwali day, and 6 am to 7 am for morning celebrations, in designated areas only.
3. 3. Ban on joined or series crackers (laris), conventional crackers, and online sales through platforms like Flipkart or Amazon remains in place.
4. 4. Sales limited to licensed traders at designated spots identified by district collectors in consultation with police.
5. 5. Police and district administration to form joint patrolling teams with pollution control boards for regular checks, random sampling, and enforcement.
6. 6. Manufacturers' licenses to be canceled if found producing or selling non-compliant crackers; QR codes and end-user details mandatory for traceability.
7. 7. CPCB and state pollution boards directed to monitor air and water quality from October 14 to 25, 2025, and submit daily AQI reports.
8. 8. Decision revisits the 2018 Arjun Gopal judgment, which introduced green crackers but imposed restrictions to reduce emissions.
9. 9. Centre and NCR states supported relaxation, arguing for cultural significance and noting smuggling of harmful crackers under total ban.
10. 10. Fireworks industry in Sivakasi welcomed the order, expecting relief for workers, while environmentalists raised concerns over enforcement and pollution spikes.

Explained

What are Green Crackers and How Do They Differ from Traditional Firecrackers

- Basic Definition: Green crackers are eco-friendly fireworks developed to reduce air and noise pollution, using formulations that minimize harmful emissions compared to conventional ones.

- Development Background: Created by CSIR-NEERI in 2018 following Supreme Court directives, they aim to balance festivities with environmental protection amid rising urban pollution.

- Key Differences: They emit 30% less particulate matter (PM), replace toxic chemicals like barium with safer alternatives, and include dust suppressants; traditional crackers use heavy metals causing higher SO2 and NO2 levels.

- Types and Features: SWAS (Safe Water Releaser) releases water droplets to suppress dust; SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium) reduces noise and aluminium use; STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker) avoids potassium nitrate and sulphur for minimal smoke.

What is the History of Firecracker Bans in Delhi-NCR and Why Were They Imposed

- Pollution Crisis Context: Delhi's AQI often reaches severe levels (above 300) during winters due to stubble burning, traffic, and Diwali crackers, leading to health issues like respiratory problems.

- Judicial Interventions: Started with 2017 SC sales ban, 2018 Arjun Gopal judgment allowing green crackers with restrictions, and 2023 year-round extension to combat annual pollution spikes.

- Reasons for Bans: To protect public health under Article 21 (right to life), reduce PM2.5 levels that peak during Diwali (e.g., 1,853 µg/m³ in 2023), and address enforcement gaps like smuggling.

- Enforcement Challenges: Despite bans, illegal sales persist; only 4 of 55 samples tested in 2022, highlighting testing and monitoring deficiencies.

Why Did the Supreme Court Relax the Ban for Diwali 2025 on a Trial Basis

- Centre's Plea: Solicitor General argued for relaxation to allow cultural celebrations, noting green crackers' reduced emissions and ineffectiveness of total bans leading to smuggling.

- Balancing Act: Court observed no significant AQI difference between 2018 (green allowed) and 2024 (ban), emphasizing moderation without compromising environment.

- Trial Mechanism: Limited to two days with monitoring to assess impact, potentially revisiting 2018 judgment based on post-Diwali data.

- Amicus Curiae Inputs: Highlighted QR code misuse and testing delays, leading to directives for random sampling and license cancellations for violations.

What are the Environmental and Health Implications of Allowing Green Crackers

- Pollution Reduction Potential: Green crackers cut emissions by 30-35%, but still contribute to PM2.5; not pollution-free, they may cause short-term AQI spikes in severe category.

- Health Concerns: Even reduced pollution affects vulnerable groups like children and elderly, causing respiratory issues; Diwali often sees AQI over 500 despite regulations.

- Broader Environmental Impact: Mining for cracker chemicals like barium harms ecosystems; court stressed sustainability, aligning with GRAP winter action plans.

- Monitoring and Future: CPCB to track AQI; if trial shows minimal impact, could lead to permanent guidelines; promotes alternatives like laser shows.

What Measures are in Place for Enforcement and Compliance During Diwali

- Regulatory Framework: Sales only at designated spots; patrolling teams for checks, sampling sent to PESO; no e-commerce or out-of-NCR imports.

- Accountability: Manufacturers must register with NEERI/PESO; violations lead to license suspension and confiscation.

- Public Awareness: Governments to run campaigns; Delhi to set up chemical testing labs immediately for authenticity checks.

- NCR Alignment: Haryana, UP, Rajasthan to follow similar rules, ensuring uniform enforcement across region.

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