(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Supreme Court on October 15, Wednesday permitted sale and bursting of green crackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) between October 18 and 21, according to Livelaw.

While stating that it is a temporary measure, the Chief Justice Of India (CJI) BR Gavai said the the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State PCB shall monitor the AQI from 18th October and file the report to the court, including sampling of the water also to be done.

"Sale of green cracker will be permitted from 18th October to 21st October. Police authority to constitute patrolling team to keep an eye that only permitted products with QR codes are to be sold. Violation notice to be attached for persons who violate the rules. Use firecrackers shall be confined to 6 pm to 10 pm," BarandBench quoted the order as saying.

However, the Court emphasised that e-commerce websites must not supply firecrackers.

The decision was taken after considering that a total ban often results in smuggling of firecrackers, which in turn worsens air quality.

The court mentioned,“Conventional firecrackers are smuggled which cause more damage. We have to take a balanced approach. Out of 22 districts in Haryana 14 districts fall in NCR. when the ban was imposed there was not much difference in air quality except during COVID period. The concept of green crackers was introduced after judgement in Arjun Gopal. Over 6 years green crackers have substantially reduced emission. NEERI has contributed to it. From 14.10.2024 to 1.1.2025 complete ban on manufacture was imposed.”

The Court had previously imposed a ban on the use of firecrackers in the city due to ongoing issues with severe air pollution in Delhi. Regarding green crackers, the Court stated in April that it would not reconsider its earlier orders unless it was convinced that these crackers caused minimal pollution.

However, the Court allowed manufacturing of green firecrackers but maintained the ban on their sale in areas where restrictions were already in place.

The Delhi government, neighbouring states and manufacturers approached the Court, requesting permission to use green crackers in Delhi and other regions during Diwali. They also proposed extending similar allowances for celebrations on Christmas, Gurpurab, and New Year's Eve.

(This is a developing story. More to come)

MENAFN15102025007365015876ID1110197958