Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday permitted the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM and between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. A blanket ban on all firecrackers will automatically resume on November 9.

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Strict 'No-Cracker Zones'

Under the court's directives, bursting of crackers is strictly prohibited within a 300-metre radius of:

  • Hospitals, nursing homes, and primary or district health centres
  • Old-age homes and designated silence zones
  • Educational institutions

Authorities have been directed to declare, mark on the ground, and publicise all such areas as 'No-Cracker Zones.'

Directives For Firecracker Manufacturers And Traders

To ensure strict compliance, manufacturers and sellers are directed to adhere to the following rules:

  • Only manufacturers holding valid CSIR-NEERI and PESO certifications are permitted to produce and sell green crackers from November 2 to November 6.
  • Green firecrackers must be sold in sealed boxes to prevent mixing with unauthorised or conventional firecrackers.
  • The manufacture and sale of firecrackers joined in series (ladis) and garlands are strictly prohibited.
  • Firecrackers containing barium or any formulations not approved by CSIR-NEERI as green crackers are strictly banned.
  • Every box must carry a product-specific QR code linked to that particular item and batch. Scanning the QR code must display manufacturer details, NEERI registration, PESO/DM license details, and chemical formulation test certificates.
  • Cancelled licenses of traders will be temporarily restored from November 4 to November 6 to facilitate the sale of approved green crackers.
  • Licenses will be cancelled immediately if traders violate any directives, and non-compliant traders will be barred from selling firecrackers for the remainder of the period.
  • Mandatory financial security deposits will be collected from all manufacturers and traders operating in Delhi-NCR, and any violation of court guidelines will lead to immediate deposit forfeiture.

What Are Green Crackers?

Developed by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), green crackers emit 30 per cent less pollution than traditional crackers.

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Key Features:

  • Lower Chemical Content: Drastically reduced levels of chemicals such as barium and aluminium.
  • Pollution Suppression: Formulated with additives designed to suppress smoke and dust.
  • Noise Reduction: Engineered to produce significantly lower decibel levels, shorter burn times, and controlled flames compared to standard crackers.

(With Inputs From PTI)