The Supreme Court of India permitted the bursting of green crackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali on October 20 but imposed strict time restrictions. As per the court's order, firecrackers will be allowed only between 6 am and 7 am and then from 8 pm to 10 pm.
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, reading out the order, stated, “As a temporary measure, we allow bursting of crackers from October 18 to 21. Crackers are smuggled into Delhi-NCR, and they cause more damage than green firecrackers.” He added, “We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment.”
A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran ruled that only certified green crackers with QR codes can be sold and burst at designated locations. The court mandated strict action against violators and directed the police to form patrol teams for regular inspections of firecracker manufacturers and sellers.
No crackers from outside Delhi-NCR will be permitted for sale within the region; any such violation will result in the immediate suspension of sellers' licences.
The Supreme Court further instructed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily from October 14 to October 21 and submit detailed reports along with other NCR pollution control boards thereafter.
This order comes in the context of prior restrictions. In July, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) announced a year-round ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and bursting of all types of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory to address the city's chronic air pollution, particularly post-Diwali spikes.
Just four months earlier, in March, the Supreme Court had imposed a year-long blanket ban on all firecrackers, including green ones, in Delhi-NCR.
Also Read: Delhi enforces first anti-pollution curbs of the season
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