NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali. A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran allowed a joint plea filed by the Centre and the Delhi government seeking relaxation of the existing ban.
The court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) of the National Capital Region to monitor air quality levels during the festival and submit a report thereafter.
“As a temporary measure, we will allow firecrackers to be burst from October 18 to 21,” the bench said.
Chief Justice Gavai observed that illegal firecrackers were being smuggled into Delhi-NCR, causing more harm than certified green crackers. “We have to take a balanced approach without compromising on the environment,” he said.
