Diwali celebrations in Delhi-NCR will be under the watchful eye of the Supreme Court’s directives, allowing only approved green firecrackers. This relaxation is considered a ‘test case,’ focusing on strict enforcement and environmental monitoring.
Patrolling teams, including the Delhi Police, will be on the ground to ensure that only NEERI and PESO-approved green firecrackers, identified by QR codes, are used during the permitted days and timings. News agency PTI reports that officials are prioritizing this strict compliance.
The Supreme Court has instructed the Delhi Police to expedite the processing of temporary sale licenses for firecrackers, aiming for timely readiness. Following Diwali, retailers will have a two-day window to return or safely dispose of any unsold stock, ensuring immediate reinstatement of restrictions.
Around 140 retailers in the national capital, certified by PESO, are expected to receive temporary licenses for selling firecrackers this Diwali. The Delhi government has also conducted several high-level meetings with enforcement agencies and stakeholders to ensure the court’s guidelines are effectively implemented.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized the need for public cooperation, stating, “We need your help because only QR code green crackers will be allowed and the manufacturers will need to comply with this direction. Those firecrackers not having QR code will be confiscated and licenses will be suspended.”
What’s Permitted:
- Sale and bursting of ‘green firecrackers’ are allowed only from October 18 to October 20.
- Firecrackers can only be burst between 6 AM to 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM on October 19 and 20.
- Only NEERI-approved ‘green firecrackers,’ which emit 30% less particulate matter and gases, can be sold, purchased, or used.
- Only licensed traders with renewed or re-validated licenses are permitted to sell firecrackers.
What’s Prohibited:
- Conventional or high-emission firecrackers, including those containing barium, and chain or ‘Ladi’ firecrackers are banned. All approved green firecrackers must have QR codes.
- Bursting firecrackers outside the permitted hours is strictly prohibited.
- Shops selling uncertified firecrackers will face immediate closure and license suspension.
- Firecrackers purchased from outside the Delhi-NCR region are not allowed.
- Online purchases of firecrackers from platforms like Amazon or Flipkart are also prohibited.
- Unlicensed roadside sales are not permitted.
The enforcement of these Supreme Court directives will be rigorous, involving intensive foot patrolling by the Delhi Police to check for unauthorized and prohibited firecrackers. Joint teams comprising police and pollution control officials from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan will ensure compliance. PESO will also conduct surprise inspections and sample tests at sale outlets. Additionally, extra police personnel and enforcement teams will be deployed in residential and market areas to monitor activities and take swift action against any violations, including seizure of illegal stocks and imposition of heavy penalties.