Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said her government will approach the Supreme Court seeking permission to allow green firecrackers during Diwali celebrations in the national capital.
“The government will submit its written stand before the Supreme Court on October 8. Our government is committed to reducing pollution, but at the same time, we cannot overlook the emotions attached to Diwali celebrations,” the Chief Minister said.
CM said the move aims to strike a balance between tackling pollution and respecting the cultural sentiments of citizens who wish to celebrate the festival of lights.
Over the years, the Supreme Court has issued several directions to Delhi authorities, both under the previous Arvind Kejriwal government and the current administration, to strictly enforce pollution control measures, especially between October and December when air quality worsens.
In 2024, following severe pollution levels and violations of earlier restrictions, the Supreme Court imposed a year-round ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of all firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
However, in September this year, a bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria, allowed certified manufacturers to produce green firecrackers under strict supervision. The order specified that while production could take place within Delhi-NCR, sales within the region would remain prohibited.
These manufacturers must hold valid clearances from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
At present, a complete ban on the sale and bursting of all firecrackers, including green firecrackers, is in effect across Delhi and neighboring parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
