Supreme Court allows green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7-8
A complete ban on firecrackers will be reinstated from November 9, according to a Supreme Court order.
The Supreme Court on Monday permitted the sale and bursting of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8. According to the Hindustan Times, the permitted timings are between 6 am and 7 am, and 8 pm and 10 pm.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale stated that a total ban would be restored starting November 9. The court noted that a blanket prohibition had not significantly improved air quality or stopped the illegal sale of conventional crackers.
The bench observed that the court lacked sufficient data to decide if a complete ban is the best solution for environmental pollution. It suggested a regulated approach for a temporary period instead of a total ban.
Under the directions, manufacturers with valid certifications from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) can produce approved green crackers between November 2 and 6.
The court prohibited the sale of firecrackers joined in series, known as 'laris' or 'ladis', and those containing barium. It also banned any products not approved by CSIR-NEERI.
Bursting fireworks is prohibited within 300 metres of silence zones, old-age homes, educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, and health centres. Authorities have been directed to confiscate illegal crackers and prosecute violators.