Delhi residents celebrate all festivals with enthusiasm, but Diwali has traditionally been a challenge due to severe pollution. During this time, neighboring states also conduct large-scale firework displays, which contributes to heavy smog in the capital. Combined with vehicle emissions, the pollution levels spike significantly. To address this, both the Delhi government and the Supreme Court had imposed restrictions on the use of traditional firecrackers for many years.
This year, however, the situation is different. The Supreme Court has permitted the use of green crackers in Delhi. The ban on bursting green firecrackers has been lifted, and appropriate measures are being implemented in accordance with the Court’s directives. The Delhi Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, addressed the public, urging cooperation with government initiatives to ensure a safe and eco-friendly Diwali.
Key measures announced include:
1. A special control room will be set up to handle complaints and violations during the festival.
2. Sale of conventional firecrackers remains prohibited. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee, municipal corporations, and enforcement teams will monitor compliance.
3. Online platforms, including the Sameer App and Delhi App, have been set up to strengthen the implementation of green crackers.
4. Public awareness campaigns promoting green crackers.
5. Sale of green crackers will be allowed only one week before the festival.
6. Crackers can be burst only during designated hours—at least one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening on Diwali and Gurupurab days.
These measures aim to balance festive celebrations with environmental safety and public health.