The Supreme Court's recent decision to conditionally permit the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali has sparked varied reactions, with Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra weighing in with a sharp comment and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressing gratitude to the apex court.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted permission for the manufacture and sale of green firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). A bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai allowed the production and sale of green firecrackers from October 18 to October 21 on the occasion of Diwali. The court has specified time windows for bursting firecrackers in Delhi-NCR: from 6 to 7 AM and from 8 to 10 PM each day. The court also specified that firecrackers will only be sold through licensed traders, and the products, i.e., green crackers, must be manufactured by those registered with NEERI and holding a license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The use of firecrackers with Barium and those not approved by NEERI as green crackers shall not be permitted.
Moitra took to social media platform X, urging Delhi residents to refrain from complaining about air quality this year, stating, "People of Delhi wanted this govt. The Govt wanted crackers to return. Everyone got what they wanted. Please let's not waste any time this year moaning about air quality". Her statement reflects a sentiment that the public has received what they desired through the democratic process, and therefore, concerns about pollution should be tempered.
In contrast, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, emphasizing the importance of balancing tradition and environmental protection. "It is very important to strike a balance between traditions and environment. I thank the Supreme Court for issuing this order, taking into account the sentiments of the people of Delhi," she said. Gupta also assured that the Delhi government and its citizens would prioritize environmental safety while celebrating the festival and expressed heartfelt thanks to the Supreme Court. She said the order reflects a balance between people's sentiments during Diwali and environmental protection.
Gupta expressed gratitude towards the Supreme Court for granting permission for the use of green firecrackers in the national capital on Diwali following the state government's special request. Following the SC's conditional approval, the Chief Minister has appealed to the citizens of Delhi to use the green crackers with responsibility and restraint, in adherence to the guidelines by the apex court in this regard.
Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma congratulated the people of Delhi-NCR, calling the Supreme Court's order a "Diwali gift" from the Delhi government and thanked the apex court for acknowledging the request to allow green firecrackers. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa thanked the apex court for revising its decision after eight years, noting firecrackers will now be allowed from 8 PM to 10 PM, with a focus on ensuring only green firecrackers are used.
The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region between October 18 to 20, limiting the timings to 6-7 am and 8-10 pm.
While green crackers emit approximately 20-30% less particulate matter compared to traditional firecrackers, concerns remain regarding their overall impact on air quality. Activists and experts have cautioned that even with reduced emissions, the sheer volume of firecrackers burst during Diwali can still lead to a significant spike in pollution levels, potentially negating the benefits of using green crackers.
