Green crackers get a mixed verdict: Supreme court allows manufacturing, bans Sale in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court has taken a tough stance to keep the air in Delhi-NCR clean. The court has ordered an immediate ban on the sale of all types of firecrackers. This ban will also apply to green firecrackers until further orders from the court.

The Supreme Court on Friday clarified that while firecracker manufacturers across the country can manufacture green crackers, their sale and use will not be permitted in Delhi-NCR. The court stipulated that only those manufacturers will produce green crackers who possess a green cracker certification issued

by authorized agencies such as NEERI and PESO.

The court also mandated

that firecracker manufacturers provide written undertakings that they will not sell any firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region. This step was taken because air pollution levels in the region become extremely dangerous during Diwali.

A nationwide ban is not possible

A bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai clearly stated that the Supreme Court cannot ban the sale and manufacture of firecrackers across the country as the central government has not passed any national-level resolution in this regard.

Delhi's air is already at dangerous levels

It's worth noting that in November 2024, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) for the capital reached 494. The city was shrouded in a thick smog, making it difficult for people to breathe. The Supreme Court issued this ruling against this backdrop.

Following the court's latest order, the sale and burning of firecrackers will be completely banned in Delhi-NCR. The court will now decide its policy on the sale of green firecrackers at its next hearing .