**Delhi Government to Approach Supreme Court for Limited Use of ‘Green Firecrackers’ This Diwali**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 07, 2025, 04:54 PM*
The Delhi government has announced its decision to approach the Supreme Court seeking permission for the limited use of certified “green firecrackers” during the upcoming Diwali festival. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the cultural significance of Diwali, calling it the most important festival of Indian culture.
She stated that all green firecrackers must be manufactured by authorized agencies and certified by competent and relevant departments to ensure safety and environmental compliance. “The Delhi government reiterates its commitment to effectively control pollution and protect the environment,” she added.
### Supreme Court’s Stand on Green Firecrackers
On September 26, the Supreme Court permitted certified manufacturers to produce green firecrackers but banned their sale within the Delhi-NCR region. The court authorized only those manufacturers certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to produce these eco-friendly crackers.
However, the court mandated an undertaking from the manufacturers assuring that until further orders, they will not sell any crackers in prohibited areas, including Delhi and its neighboring regions.
### Are Green Firecrackers Safer?
Experts have highlighted that green firecrackers are a better alternative to traditional firecrackers as they emit nearly 30% less pollutants. These eco-friendly crackers significantly reduce both air and noise pollution by eliminating harmful chemicals such as barium and using additives that help suppress dust and release water vapor instead of toxic gases.
The Supreme Court had initially imposed a temporary ban on traditional firecrackers in Delhi-NCR in 2017 to combat rising pollution levels during the festival season.
### Background: The Green Firecracker Ban in Delhi-NCR
In 2018, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s NEERI developed green firecrackers, which the Supreme Court conditionally allowed for use. The court specified that certified green firecrackers could be ignited only between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Diwali night.
Despite this, the Delhi government imposed a complete ban on all types of firecrackers in 2019 and 2020 due to severe air pollution concerns. This total ban was further extended until January 1, 2025.
### Upcoming Supreme Court Hearing
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter next Tuesday. The bench has directed the central government to prepare a “concrete proposal” to ensure that only green crackers are available in Delhi-NCR markets before the ban can be lifted.
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai raised a pertinent question during the proceedings, asking whether banning firecrackers should be a nationwide policy given that air pollution is a national issue. He remarked, “If firecrackers are going to be banned, let them be banned throughout the country.”
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As Diwali approaches, the debate over balancing cultural traditions with environmental concerns continues, with the Supreme Court poised to make a key decision on green firecracker usage in the national capital.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/delhi/delhi-to-approach-sc-to-allow-certified-green-firecrackers/story