Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines/sbkinews.in
New Delhi, October 2025 — In a landmark development likely to bring cheer to millions while addressing environmental and health concerns, the Supreme Court of India has indicated it may allow the sale and bursting of green crackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the upcoming Diwali festival on a trial basis. This comes after years of a stringent ban on all firecrackers in the region aimed at tackling severe air pollution.
Background on Crackers Ban and Pollution Concerns
Delhi and NCR have faced escalating air pollution levels, especially marked during the autumn months when Diwali celebrations traditionally involve extensive firecracker bursting. The smoke pollution, combined with crop stubble burning and climatic factors, has historically resulted in hazardous air quality, affecting millions and increasing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
In April 2025, the Supreme Court had extended a complete ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers, including green crackers, under environmental pleas led by public interest litigations. The ban was intended to protect public health and uphold the constitutional right to clean air.
Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines
The Green Crackers Proposal
The proposal to allow “green crackers” reflects an innovative approach to balance cultural traditions with environmental responsibility. Green crackers are specially manufactured firecrackers that claim to emit significantly less particulate matter and harmful gases—up to 30-35% reduction compared to conventional crackers. They also produce less sound pollution.
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) have set rigorous standards for certifying these crackers to ensure they comply with permissible noise and emission norms. Only crackers meeting these criteria will be allowed for manufacture and sale in Delhi-NCR.
Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines
Supreme Court’s Trial-Period Decision
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran reserved its final verdict after hearing submissions from the Union Government and stakeholders. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta moved the court seeking permission to allow green crackers for five days around Diwali strictly on a trial basis with fixed timeframes. The court during hearings hinted favorably towards this proposal.
Chief Justice Gavai remarked, “For the time being, we will permit green crackers during Deepawali. We will revisit the orders and try to find a balance.” The court emphasized that this limited relaxation would be accompanied by strict enforcement and monitoring.
Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines
Proposed Guidelines and Enforcement Measures
The Union government along with Delhi and NCR states proposed a detailed framework to ensure the scheme’s success:
Sale of crackers will be restricted to licensed traders only.
Online sales via platforms such as Amazon or Flipkart will remain prohibited in Delhi-NCR to prevent unchecked distribution.
Firecracker bursting will be confined to designated time periods, proposed broadly between 8 pm and 10 pm during Diwali nights.
Specific exceptions were suggested for occasions like New Year’s Eve and Gurupurab with limited permissible hours.
Surprise inspections of manufacturing units and sales points will be conducted regularly to check adherence to norms.
Public awareness campaigns will educate consumers about approved green crackers and environmental impact.
NEERI and PESO will maintain updated certification lists to exclude non-compliant or fake green crackers from the market.
Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines
Environmental Experts’ Concerns and Challenges
Despite the benefits touted by green crackers, environmentalists and legal experts caution that allowing their widespread use could dilute air quality gains if not strictly regulated. They warn about the infiltration of fake green crackers and consumer misinformation.
Senior advocacy groups argue that the green cracker initiative should not substitute comprehensive measures addressing all pollution sources like stubble burning and vehicular emissions. Real change requires long-term, holistic environmental management rather than transactional relaxations.
Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines
Supporters Highlight Cultural Significance and Livelihoods
On the other hand, proponents stress the cultural importance of Diwali celebrations and the psychological and economic benefits of permitting green crackers. The firecracker industry, employing thousands including marginalized communities, has struggled under the bans, severely impacting livelihoods.
Solicitor General Mehta, representing Delhi and NCR states, appealed to the court with emotional urgency: “Let our children celebrate Diwali with fervor for a few days, without draconian restrictions that strip away joy.”
Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines
Past Supreme Court Orders and Legal Developments
The Supreme Court’s previous judgement in 2018 in Arjun Gopal v. Union of India laid down conditions governing firecracker sales and use, permitting manufacturing of improved crackers but banning their sale online.
However, this year’s blanket ban was informed by persisting pollution crises, leading to intense public debate balancing health vs. cultural freedoms.
Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines
The Road Ahead for Delhi-NCR This Diwali
As India approaches the festival season, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s final orders expected soon. Should the court allow green crackers under these proposed strict conditions, it would mark a landmark precedent in festival celebrations amid environmental consciousness.
Authorities will be tasked with ensuring robust compliance, and citizens encouraged to exercise responsible bursting mindful of community health.
Delhi Diwali festival firecracker guidelines
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s tentative move to allow green crackers in Delhi and NCR during Diwali on a trial basis signals optimistic progress in environmental innovation and cultural accommodation. While protecting the right to celebrate important traditions, it remains critical to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability.
