Green crackers allowed in Delhi-NCR on Diwali, complete ban from November 9

The Supreme Court has allowed the bursting of green crackers with conditions in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during Diwali. The court has clarified that this relaxation will remain only for November 7 and 8.

A bench of Justice M. M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale ordered that crackers can be burst only from 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm during these two days. Following this period, a complete ban on crackers will be implemented in the region from November 9.

The court reiterated that under no circumstances will crackers containing barium and those not certified by CSIR-NEERI be allowed to be burst. Only approved green crackers can be used.

The bench has also issued directions that there will be a complete ban on bursting crackers within a 300-meter radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centers, old age homes, and silence zones.

According to the court, these places and educational institutions will be declared 'no-cracker zones' and people will be made aware by putting up boards in this regard.

The Supreme Court was hearing petitions seeking a ban on the manufacture of crackers, including a suo motu case regarding air pollution, stubble burning, and solid waste management in the national capital region.

Key developments

• Permission to burst only green crackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8
• Crackers can be burst only from 6 to 7 am and 8 to 10 pm
• Complete ban on crackers to be implemented from November 9
• 300-meter area around hospitals and educational institutions declared 'no-cracker zone'