New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the bursting of green crackers in Delhi-NCR for a limited period on November 7 and 8 in view of Diwali celebrations. The relaxation will apply only during specified hours, after which the restrictions on firecrackers will return.
According to the court’s order, green crackers can be burst between 6 am and 7 am and again from 8 pm to 10 pm on the permitted dates.
A two-judge bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale passed the order. The bench observed that imposing a complete ban on firecrackers alone was not an effective solution to tackle pollution in Delhi-NCR.
The court also noted that the sale and use of firecrackers could not be completely prevented in the national capital despite an existing ban.
No-Cracker Zones Around Hospitals and Schools
The Supreme Court has prohibited the bursting of green crackers within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare centres, old-age homes and designated silence zones.
The restriction will also apply near schools and other educational institutions. These areas will be treated as ‘No-Cracker Zones’.
Green Crackers to Be Sold Only at Designated Shops
The court has directed that green crackers can be sold only through designated shops. Online sales will not be permitted, and police have been asked to ensure that crackers are not sold outside the authorised outlets.
Authorities have also been directed to form patrolling teams to monitor designated sales locations and check whether only permitted products are being sold.
The court said the teams must conduct regular inspections to ensure that the crackers carry QR codes issued for approved products.
Patrolling teams will also collect random samples and send them to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for analysis.
The court further warned that anyone involved in the manufacture or sale of prohibited products would face penalties. Their licences or registrations with PESO or the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) could also be cancelled in case of violations.