Supreme Court permits sale and use of NEERI-approved green crackers in Delhi-NCR on a trial basis; strict timings, QR codes and police patrols to be enforced. Key rules and AQI warning.
The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and use of NEERI-approved green crackers in Delhi-NCR on a trial basis, while underlining strict enforcement, product labelling and environmental monitoring to limit pollution during Diwali. Only crackers carrying NEERI approval and embedded QR codes will be permitted for retail; “ladi” or chained firecrackers and items with banned chemicals remain prohibited. Local authorities have been instructed to verify QR codes and seize counterfeit or non-compliant stock.
The apex court’s order restricts bursting to a short window across two days: a one-hour slot in the morning (6–7 am) and a two-hour slot in the evening (8–10 pm) on the day before Diwali and on Diwali itself. Temporary sales licences have been issued to a limited number of vendors, with rules for quick processing, post-festival return or safe disposal of unsold stock, and penalties including licence suspension for violations. Police patrols and surprise inspections will enforce the rules at neighbourhood markets and known hotspots.
Environmental agencies warn that meteorological conditions and festival emissions could still push Delhi’s AQI into the very poor to severe range despite green crackers, and the CPCB/AQEWS forecast a likely deterioration over the next 48–72 hours if fireworks and crop-burning add emissions. Health advisories urge vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure and use masks or indoor air purifiers where possible.
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