**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 plan to approach the Supreme Court seeking permission to allow the use of certified “green firecrackers” during Diwali celebrations. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the cultural significance of Diwali, calling it one of the most important festivals in Indian culture. She reaffirmed that all green firecrackers must be manufactured by authorized agencies and certified by competent departments to ensure safety and compliance.
“The Delhi government reiterates its commitment to effectively control pollution and protect the environment,” said CM Gupta.
### Supreme Court’s Stance on Green Firecrackers
On September 26, the Supreme Court permitted certified manufacturers to produce “green firecrackers,” but it banned their sale in the Delhi-NCR region. The court allowed only those manufacturers certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to produce green crackers.
However, the court mandated that manufacturers submit an undertaking ensuring no sale of these crackers in prohibited areas until further orders. This cautious approach reflects ongoing concerns related to pollution control.
### Are Green Firecrackers Safer?
Experts acknowledge that green firecrackers are a better alternative to traditional ones. They emit nearly 30% fewer pollutants and help significantly reduce air and noise pollution. This improvement is largely attributed to the exclusion of harmful chemicals like barium and the inclusion of additives that suppress dust and release water vapor.
The Supreme Court had first imposed a temporary ban on traditional firecrackers in Delhi-NCR in 2017 to curb the escalating air pollution levels.
### Background: The Ban and Development of Green Firecrackers
In 2018, CSIR-NEERI developed green firecrackers as an eco-friendlier alternative, and the Supreme Court conditionally allowed their use. The use of certified green firecrackers was permitted only between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Diwali night.
However, severe pollution in subsequent years led Delhi to impose a complete ban on all types of firecrackers in 2019 and 2020. This ban has been extended multiple times and is currently valid until January 1, 2025.
### Upcoming Supreme Court Hearing
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter next Tuesday. The court has directed the Central Government to propose a concrete plan to ensure that only green crackers are available in Delhi-NCR markets before considering lifting the ban.
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai raised a pertinent question during proceedings, asking if banning firecrackers should be implemented as a national policy given that polluted air is a nationwide problem. “If firecrackers are going to be banned, let them be banned throughout the country,” he stated.
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The Delhi government’s move signals an important step toward balancing cultural festivities with environmental concerns, as the capital awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on green firecrackers this Diwali.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/delhi/delhi-to-approach-sc-to-allow-certified-green-firecrackers/story