Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to relax firecracker ban conditions, permitting the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) for Diwali on Wednesday.
Expressing her gratitude, the Chief Minister described the ruling as a "balanced approach" toward environmental protection and the spirit of the festival.
In a post on X, she stated, "We express our gratitude to the honourable Supreme Court for granting permission to use green firecrackers in the capital at the special request of the Delhi government. This decision respects the sentiments and enthusiasm of the public during sacred festivals like Diwali while also reflecting a balanced approach towards environmental protection."
CM Rekha Gupta further reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring a "clean and green" Delhi, saying, "The Delhi government, while honouring public sentiments, is fully committed to the resolve of a clean and green Delhi. Our goal is to ensure that the vibrancy of festivals remains intact while also safeguarding the environment. This Diwali, let us all come together to celebrate with green firecrackers, harmonising festivity and environmental protection, and work towards realising the resolve of a 'green and prosperous Delhi'."
The Supreme Court, in its order on Wednesday, relaxed the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali (October 20) and allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers from October 18 to 25. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran specified that bursting would be limited to 6-7 am and 8-10 pm.
The apex court emphasised the need for a "balanced approach" between celebrating festivities and protecting the environment, stating, "We have to take a balanced approach, permitting the bursting of green firecrackers in moderation while not compromising with the environment."
Also Read: Delhi enforces first anti-pollution curbs of the season
Recognising that smuggled firecrackers cause more damage than green ones, the court permitted only certified green firecrackers. As a temporary measure, it directed police authorities to constitute patrolling teams to ensure that only permitted products with QR codes are sold.
The top court ordered that no firecrackers from outside Delhi-NCR shall be allowed in the region, and if fake firecrackers are found, the seller's licence will be suspended. It further clarified that the use of firecrackers not approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) as green crackers shall not be permitted.
The Supreme Court also directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution control boards to monitor air and water quality during the period and submit a detailed report from October 14 to 21, on the impact of fireworks on Delhi's air quality.
The court took note of the Delhi government's order dated October 14, 2024, which imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers, later extended to the entire NCR. The bench stated it was necessary to re-examine that approach in light of public sentiment and enforcement realities.
The apex court order was issued in a case relating to air pollution in the national capital region.
Also Read: SC allows green crackers in Delhi for Diwali, with conditions
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