Despite a Supreme Court ban on conventional firecrackers and the allowance of "green crackers" in Delhi-NCR, illegal sales are flourishing, while genuine green crackers remain scarce. This situation highlights the difficulties in enforcing firecracker regulations and the challenges in curbing pollution during Diwali.
The Supreme Court had temporarily relaxed the complete ban on firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and permitted the sale of green crackers from October 18 to October 20. The court directed that firecrackers could only be used between 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the day before and on Diwali day. This decision was made as a test case under strict monitoring.
However, in several markets across Gurugram, Delhi, and Noida, conventional firecrackers are being sold discreetly, often concealed in sacks or behind counters displaying legal Diwali items. Some vendors are even mislabeling traditional firecrackers as green ones or using fake QR codes. Spot checks by news teams have confirmed the open sale of banned fireworks in markets like Sadar Bazar, Jama Masjid, Lajpat Nagar, and Greater Kailash.
Genuine green crackers, developed by CSIR-NEERI, are designed to reduce environmental impact by cutting particulate matter (PM) emissions by at least 30% and excluding harmful chemicals. To identify genuine green crackers, buyers should look for the Green Fireworks logo and a unique QR code that can be scanned using the 'CSIR-NEERI Green QR Code' mobile app.
Despite the availability of green crackers, many shopkeepers are unaware of the specifications and continue to sell their own products. Some traders have cited the short notice for obtaining licenses as a reason for not selling green crackers. In Delhi, only a meager 15 traders applied for temporary licenses to legally sell firecrackers, indicating indifference to the government's drive.
Enforcement teams have been deployed to monitor markets and seize illegal firecrackers. The police, in consultation with the district administration, are supposed to form patrolling teams to monitor the designated locations of sale and ensure that only permitted products are sold. They are also tasked with taking random samples for analysis. Authorities have seized over 40kg of illegal crackers.
The illegal sale of firecrackers is also taking place online through social media platforms. Authorities are detaining and confiscating any such supplies.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in enforcing firecracker sale regulations, with traders blaming the short notice for obtaining licenses and citing Diwali as their chance to earn. The public is encouraged to be vigilant and ensure they are purchasing genuine green crackers from licensed traders to minimize pollution and adhere to the Supreme Court's guidelines.
