Green crackers are allowed for limited hours in Delhi-NCR this Diwali, as per Supreme Court orders. (Photo: Google AI Studio)
The Supreme Court has permitted the use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) between October 18 and 21, just ahead of Diwali. The court said people can burst these eco-friendly crackers between 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm on the day before Diwali and on Diwali night. This decision came as a relief to sellers and residents ahead of the festive season, but with strict restrictions to control pollution.
Green firecrackers were developed by CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) to reduce air pollution during festivals. These crackers have a smaller shell size, use less raw material, and are ash-free. They are made using dust suppressants that reduce the emission of harmful gases such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
Unlike traditional crackers that contain toxic metals, green crackers use less hazardous compounds. The goal is to keep the joy of celebrations alive while cutting down on air pollution levels.
According to a paper by CSIR-NEERI, traditional firecrackers use heavy metal-based compounds, which are a major source of pollution. These compounds cause serious health and environmental problems.
Green crackers, on the other hand, include multifunctional additives like zeolite and iron oxide, which help control emissions. They also require fewer chemicals during manufacturing.
The Supreme Court said that firecrackers smuggled into Delhi-NCR from outside cause more harm than green crackers. It called its decision a “balanced approach”, allowing limited use of green crackers without compromising environmental safety.
The court restricted both the purchase and use of firecrackers brought in from outside NCR. It also warned that manufacturers’ licenses will be canceled if fake green crackers are found in circulation.
The court has allowed the sale of green crackers only between October 18 and 20, 2025 — that is, from Dhanteras to Diwali. “We make it clear that the relaxation is only on a test case basis and the same shall be only for the period specified,” the Supreme Court said.
Several licensed vendors have been permitted to sell green crackers during this period, including shops in Seelampur, Maujpur, Bhajanpura, Ashok Nagar, Jyoti Colony, Gokalpuri, Ganga Vihar, Mandoli, Khajuri Khas, Nehru Vihar, Brijpuri, Sonia Vihar, and Nand Nagri.
Each seller is required to follow safety norms and ensure that only certified green crackers are sold. Violators could face strict legal action.
The court’s decision aims to strike a balance between festive celebrations and the urgent need to protect public health from rising pollution during winter.
