What exactly has the Court allowed?
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Where: Delhi & NCR.
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What: Only “green fireworks” developed/approved by NEERI and manufactured by entities licensed by PESO.
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Sale window: Oct 18–20 through licensed traders only (no e-commerce).
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Use/bursting: Oct 19–20 6–7 a.m. and 8–10 p.m.
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Oversight: CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards to track air & water quality Oct 14–25 and file daily AQI reports.
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Nature of order: A temporary “test” relaxation to see if strict regulation can coexist with mitigation.
Why a “test” relaxation?
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Blanket bans have been counterproductive, spurring smuggling of dirtier fireworks.
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Since Arjun Gopal (2018), green variants have shown lower emissions; officials from NCTD and Centre themselves sought festival-period relaxation.
What are “green crackers”?
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Formulations that reduce particulate, SO₂/NOx, and metal emissions, often with reduced noise.
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Packets generally carry NEERI logo, formulation code, and PESO licence details; many include QR codes for verification.
What remains prohibited?
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All conventional (non-green) fireworks.
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Online sales via marketplaces.
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Bursting outside the specified dates/timings.
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Unlicensed vendors and unlabelled stock (no NEERI/PESO marks).
Enforcement & penalties (typical under local rules)
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Seizure of illegal stock, fines, and action under Explosives Rules, Environment (Protection) Act, and local police orders. Housing societies can set stricter internal norms.
Practical checklist for buyers
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Look for NEERI mark + PESO licence and manufacturer name; prefer packs with QR verification.
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Avoid unlabelled or heavily discounted street stock.
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Keep a bucket of water/sand, avoid basement/parking areas, and maintain distance from elderly, children, pets.
Health & community advice
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Even green crackers emit pollutants—mask vulnerable groups (children, elderly, asthmatics).
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Choose shorter displays in open, upwind areas; avoid late-night bursting.
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Clean-up to prevent residue entering drains/water bodies.
What to watch next
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AQI trend Oct 14–25; any mid-course corrections by the Court.
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CPCB’s report on the “test” and whether controlled use reduces illegal conventional fireworks.
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Possible festival extensions (e.g., Christmas, New Year’s Eve) under the same strict protocol.
Source: The Hindu
