Delhi-NCR gets green cracker nod for two Diwali days with strict timings

The Supreme Court of India has approved the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and its National Capital Region for two days during the upcoming Diwali celebrations, subject to strict time restrictions aimed at managing air quality concerns.

According to the court's directive, residents and celebrants will be permitted to burst green firecrackers on November 7 and 8. The allowed time slots are restricted to 6am to 7am in the morning and 8pm to 10pm in the evening on both days.

Green firecrackers, which produce lower levels of harmful emissions and particulate matter compared to conventional firecrackers, have been promoted as a more environmentally sustainable alternative for festival celebrations. The court's conditional approval represents an attempt to balance festive traditions with air quality management in the capital region, which frequently experiences severe pollution levels during the post-Diwali period.

The time-bound permission is designed to minimize the cumulative impact of firecracker emissions on air quality during the critical winter months when atmospheric conditions in Delhi-NCR typically trap pollutants close to ground level. Residents are expected to adhere strictly to the prescribed timings to comply with the court's order.