Green crackers in Delhi for Diwali get SC nod

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday gave a nod to bursting certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8 stating lack of data to decide on a complete ban as solution to Delhi's annual pollution problem. The complete ban on firecrackers will be restored on November 9, the court said.

The use of firecrackers shall be confined between 6AM and 7AM and 8PM and 10PM on the two days, ie, the one before and on Diwali day, the court said. Bursting of crackers won't be allowed within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and any notified silence zones. These areas will be declared as 'no-cracker zones', and shall be marked on the ground and published, the court order read. The same restriction shall also be applicable to educational institutions.

Speaking on complete ban vs regulation of firecrackers, the court said: "Imposition of a blanket ban seems to be the ideal solution, but the court is short of adequate data" to decide whether a complete ban would be the best solution. The court said it has not been furnished adequate data on whether the complete ban imposed in Delhi-NCR in 2024 "has served its purpose" noting that there has been no significant improvement in the air quality index (AQI) readings despite the 2024 ban. Introducing restrictions on sale and use of firecrackers, the court said Diwali has "religious, social, psychological and emotional connotation amongst people", creating a positive atmosphere of hope, welfare and prosperity. "Allowing the environment to degrade, which results in a health hazard to all the living beings, defeats the very purpose of the festivities."

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