Supreme Court Allows Diwali Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for 5 Days — Green Crackers Only, Strict Timings, and Major Pollution Concerns

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by

Himanshu
in ,

In a landmark yet controversial judgment, the Supreme Court of India has allowed firecrackers to be used in Delhi-NCR for five days during Diwali under a regulated framework. After years of stringent bans, this ruling reopens the door for limited celebration — but raises critical questions about air quality, enforcement, and health safety.

Let’s explore the full decision, the legal and environmental implications, historical pollution data, and what it means for the future of Delhi’s air.

Supreme Court’s Decision at a Glance

ParticularsDetails
Allowed Duration5 days around Diwali (trial basis)
Permitted TypeOnly Green Firecrackers approved by NEERI
Ban Continues OnTraditional firecrackers with toxic chemicals
Sale ChannelsOnly through licensed traders; no online sales
Bursting Time8:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Diwali night; other festivals get 1-hour windows
Regulating AuthoritiesPetroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), NEERI, and State Boards

The apex court emphasized that celebrations should not come at the cost of public health, urging authorities to ensure only certified eco-friendly crackers enter the market.

Why This Decision Matters

Delhi has been at the epicenter of India’s winter pollution crisis, with air quality often plunging into the “Severe” category post-Diwali. The court’s decision attempts to strike a balance between cultural freedom and environmental responsibility.

However, critics argue that allowing any form of fireworks could undo years of progress against air pollution, especially since weather stagnation during winter traps pollutants longer.

The Green Cracker Debate

What Are Green Crackers?

“Green crackers” are designed by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to reduce:

  • Particulate matter (PM) emissions by up to 30–35%
  • Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide content
  • Noise levels

They replace barium nitrate with less harmful alternatives and include dust suppressants to minimize residual pollution.

Key Concerns

IssueDetails
Enforcement ChallengesDifficult to distinguish real “green” crackers from conventional ones.
Limited Testing InfrastructureDelhi lacks full-fledged PESO labs for on-ground verification.
Counterfeit CrackersHigh risk of illegal fireworks being sold under green labels.
Volume ImpactEven if each cracker emits less, mass usage cancels out the benefit.

Air Pollution Facts: What the Data Shows

Historical air quality data paints a grim picture.

YearPM2.5 Levels on Diwali Night (µg/m³)WHO Safe Limit (µg/m³)Spike Over Limit
20181,53415102x
20211,2851585x
20231,4721598x
20241,85315123x

At these concentrations, even healthy adults experience respiratory distress, while children and senior citizens face severe health hazards.

Livelihood vs Environment: The Policy Dilemma

The firecracker industry employs over 300,000 workers, many from low-income families. The court acknowledged their plight, aiming to permit limited production under supervision.

However, public health advocates warn that the economic gain is outweighed by the medical and environmental costs, especially in an already polluted region like NCR.

Administrative & Enforcement Roadmap

What the Government Plans

  • Sales restricted to licensed shops only.
  • QR codes on every firecracker to verify NEERI approval.
  • Ban on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart for NCR sales.
  • Surprise inspections by PESO and state pollution boards.
  • Violators face license cancellation, factory shutdowns, and possible prosecution.

Potential Loopholes

  • Poor ground-level monitoring in urban slums and peri-urban areas.
  • Counterfeit “green” fireworks in black markets.
  • Weak coordination among Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh enforcement bodies.

The Public Health Perspective

Medical experts have consistently linked post-Diwali pollution with spikes in:

  • Asthma attacks (+40–60%)
  • Hospital admissions for respiratory issues
  • Cardiovascular events among the elderly

Doctors emphasize that even “green” crackers can emit toxic particulates (PM2.5) that penetrate deep into the lungs, aggravating chronic conditions.

Broader Pollution Sources

While firecrackers are seasonal, they act as a trigger in an already polluted ecosystem.

SourceApprox. Contribution to Delhi’s Winter Pollution
Stubble Burning38%
Vehicles20%
Industrial Emissions18%
Construction Dust14%
Domestic Waste Burning7%
Firecrackers (Diwali Week)~3–5% but with severe short-term spikes

This highlights that while crackers aren’t the sole culprit, they dramatically worsen existing poor air conditions.

What Citizens Can Do

  • Use only certified green crackers.
  • Stick strictly to the two-hour time window.
  • Celebrate with LED lights, diyas, and community events.
  • Encourage children toward eco-friendly celebrations.
  • Use air purifiers and masks if pollution spikes.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a delicate experiment — allowing limited Diwali fireworks while mandating accountability. Success depends entirely on strict enforcement and citizen cooperation.

If Delhi’s air worsens again this Diwali, the five-day permit could swiftly revert to a total ban. But if compliance works, India may find a middle ground between joy and responsibility.

Disclaimer: This article is for information and awareness purposes only. It does not represent legal advice or environmental policy endorsement. All figures are based on publicly available pollution data and government notifications.