The Supreme Court has permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region during specified hours for Diwali, balancing festive traditions with environmental safety. Authorities have established strict time slots, designated no-cracker zones near hospitals and schools, and mandated valid certifications from CSIR-NEERI. A complete ban on firecrackers will resume across the capital region immediately after the festive dates conclude.

The Supreme Court has permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region during specified hours for Diwali, balancing festive traditions with environmental safety. Authorities have established strict time slots, designated no-cracker zones near hospitals and schools, and mandated valid certifications from CSIR-NEERI. A complete ban on firecrackers will resume across the capital region immediately after the festive dates conclude.

The Supreme Court has permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region during specified hours for Diwali, balancing festive traditions with environmental safety. Authorities have established strict time slots, designated no-cracker zones near hospitals and schools, and mandated valid certifications from CSIR-NEERI. A complete ban on firecrackers will resume across the capital region immediately after the festive dates conclude.

It's a go-ahead sign from the Supreme Court about bursting green firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), just days ahead of Diwali that falls on November 8.

However, this is permitted from 6 and 7 am and from 8 to 10 pm on November 7 and 8. The top court rued the non-implementation of its earlier directions and measures undertaken by authorities to curb bursting of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.

"Though imposition of a blanket ban seems to be the ideal solution, we are of the opinion that this court, at this point in time, is short of adequate data to decide whether or not a complete ban would be the best solution to solve the problem of environmental pollution, caused by bursting firecrackers," the bench said in its October 29 order, which was made available on Monday.

The bench referred to an October 15, 2025 order which had permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali with conditions aimed at balancing traditions with environmental and health concerns.

It made clear that the complete ban on firecrackers, as imposed earlier, shall be restored with effect from November 9.

What are the restrictions on bursting crackers?

SC has directed that there will not be any bursting of fireworks within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and any notified silence zones. These areas will be declared as 'no-cracker zones' and shall be marked on the ground and published.

Similar restrictions are also applicable to educational institutions and strict compliance is to be ensured to not cause any inconvenience to those who are suffering from ailments.

Apart from these directives, the firecracker and fireworks manufacturers too have been directed to possess valid certification for the green crackers, as certified by the CSIR-NEERI, as well as PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization).

The top court said boxes containing green crackers must be completely sealed to ensure that they are not mixed with unauthorised or conventional firecrackers.

Most importantly, the use of firecrackers with Barium and those not approved by CSIR-NEERI as green crackers will not be permitted.

The bench said district collectors/ commissioners, in consultation with police, shall identify and designate locations in NCR to facilitate sale of green crackers.

The bench said the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in consultation with the State Pollution Control Boards and their respective regional offices within the districts coming under the NCR, shall monitor the AQI readings in their respective jurisdictions and prepare reports.

What are green firecrackers?

Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), green firecrackers use modified chemical formulations that substitute or reduce harmful components like barium nitrate while bursting these firecrackers.

These products are preferred for low particulate emissions, reduced pollution, and lower noise, thereby causing a reduced impact.

Are green crackers safe?

Although green firecrackers are generally less polluting than conventional firecrackers that people have been bursting for Diwali regularly, they are not completely safe.

Bursting green crackers can still cause air pollution, respiratory irritation, burns, eye injuries and noise-related problems. People with asthma, heart disease, young children and older adults are particularly vulnerable. For such individuals, it is still advised to interact less with such activities.

For more information, consult a health expert. 

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