Made in Delhi, not sold in Delhi!
The Supreme Court has allowed the manufacturing of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) but made it clear that these crackers cannot be sold in the region. The decision was announced on Friday by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria.
The court said that certified manufacturers, who have approvals from NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation), can produce green crackers in Delhi-NCR. However, they must give an undertaking that none of their crackers will be sold in the prohibited areas until further orders. The matter has been posted for further hearing on October 8.
The bench also asked the Centre to come up with a proposal to revise the complete ban on firecracker manufacturing in Delhi-NCR after consulting all stakeholders, including the Delhi government, manufacturers, and sellers. The court noted that a total ban might not be practical, citing that even with bans in place, violations often occur. They gave an example from Bihar, where a complete mining ban led to illegal mining activities. The court stressed the need for a balanced approach rather than extreme restrictions.
During the hearing, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, serving as amicus curiae (a person, not a party to a case but is allowed to provide information, or advice to the court to help it make a decision), argued for a total ban on firecrackers, including manufacturing, warning that allowing production in the NCR could lead to illegal sale and use. On the other hand, manufacturers requested permission to produce under strict conditions, including declaring quantities online and following safety rules.
CJI Gavai responded that there should be practical solutions rather than extreme orders. He said, “What is the problem in allowing them to manufacture if they follow norms? Extreme orders will create problems. Let them manufacture, but no sale in NCR until further orders.”
Delhi-NCR has a complete ban on bursting any kind of firecrackers - green or normal. Hence they should not be sold.
The case is part of broader efforts by the Supreme Court to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR, addressing issues like firecrackers and stubble burning.
The Supreme Court’s decision raises several important questions. How can producing and using green firecrackers actually reduce air pollution compared to traditional crackers? Green crackers are designed to release less smoke, and fewer toxic gases, making them a cleaner alternative, though not completely pollution-free. Eco-friendly chemicals help limit the extreme air quality deterioration Delhi experiences during festivals.
Another concern is whether previous bans have been effective. Delhi has seen multiple bans over the years, including Supreme Court and NGT (National Green Tribunal) orders, but enforcement has been difficult. People often buy crackers from other states or from illegal sources, reducing the overall impact of these bans. Violations occur due to cultural attachment to fireworks, easy availability, and weak enforcement.
While green crackers are safer, allowing local sales could still worsen air quality in Delhi-NCR. Permitting production protects manufacturers’ livelihoods, and allows stock for other states.
While production-only permission allows manufacturers to continue operations, profits could take a hit due to restricted sales, and increased competition.
Other states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra have used a mix of total bans, partial bans, timing restrictions, and green cracker promotions in past years.
In short, this decision is a middle-ground approach balancing environmental concerns with the livelihoods of local manufacturers though enforcement and public cooperation remain key.