In a decisive move that balances festive traditions with public health concerns, the Supreme Court has permitted a temporary, regulated window for the sale and use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, offers a reprieve for the industry while imposing strict measures to curb the capital's notorious seasonal pollution.
A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran outlined the specific timelines, allowing the bursting of green firecrackers between October 18 and 21.
The court’s order comes in response to multiple petitions seeking permission for the manufacture and distribution of environmentally safer fireworks. Acknowledging the competing interests, Chief Justice Gavai stated, “We have to take a balanced approach.” The bench also observed that conventional firecrackers, which are often smuggled into the region, contribute significantly to air pollution.
This ruling reinforces the judiciary's ongoing effort to mandate cleaner celebrations, particularly in northern India where Diwali festivities often coincide with a sharp, hazardous decline in air quality.
Enforcement and compliance: The QR code mandate
To ensure adherence, the court has directed local police authorities to constitute special patrol teams. These teams will monitor vendors to confirm that only certified green firecrackers, identifiable by unique QR codes, are being sold. Random inspections will be conducted and any vendors found violating the guidelines will be issued formal notices.
Further tightening controls, the court has stipulated that firecrackers may only be burst during a strict four-hour evening window, from 6 pm to 10 pm. Additionally, the ban on online sales of all firecrackers remains firmly in place.
What defines a green firecracker?
So, what sets these permitted firecrackers apart? Green crackers are scientifically developed to minimise their environmental and health impact. They are not pollution-free, but represent a significant improvement over traditional variants.
Key differentiators include:
Lower Emissions: They release 30-35% less particulate matter and harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Reduced Noise: Their sound levels are capped at 110-125 decibels, far lower than the 160-plus decibels of many conventional firecrackers.
Safer Chemistry: They eliminate or reduce toxic substances such as barium nitrate, instead using safer compounds like potassium nitrate.
Verified Authenticity: Certified green crackers bear the CSIR-NEERI (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) logo and a QR code for verification. They are regulated by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
Common types available include SWAS (Safe Water and Air Releaser), SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium) and STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker), each designed with specific pollution-reducing features.
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