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The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and use of certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR for a limited period around Diwali, subject to strict conditions.
The court directed authorities to restore the complete firecracker ban from November 9.
A Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale permitted the sale of CSIR-NEERI-approved green crackers from November 2 to 6.
Bursting crackers will be allowed only on November 7 and 8, between 06:00 AM and 07:00 AM and 08:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
The Bench prohibited fireworks within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones.
Authorities must identify and publicise these locations as ‘No-Cracker Zones’.
Only manufacturers with valid CSIR-NEERI and PESO certifications can produce approved green crackers during the permitted period.
The court further banned ‘ladis’, garland fireworks and crackers containing barium or lacking CSIR-NEERI approval.
Each box must carry a product-specific QR code containing manufacturer, registration, licence, formulation and testing details.
Authorities will temporarily restore cancelled traders’ licences from November 4 to 6 for selling approved crackers.
District administrations and police will designate sale locations, inspect markets and confiscate illegal fireworks.
Online sales and sales outside approved locations remain prohibited. Manufacturers and traders must provide monetary security, which can be forfeited for violations.
The CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards will monitor daily air quality from November 2 to 30.
The court further directed post-Diwali cleaning and awareness campaigns through schools and the Delhi Metro.
Delhi-NCR authorities must submit compliance affidavits by December 14.
The Bench warned of contempt proceedings against officials who fail to comply and scheduled the next hearing for December 16.
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