SC allows sale of green crackers in Delhi-NCR

India Oct 19, 2025

For Diwali on October 20, the Supreme Court has given a green light to just NEERI-approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.
These can be sold from October 18-20, but can only be burst on October 19 and 20 during set hours: 6-7am and 8-10pm.
Each cracker pack needs a QR code, and "ladi" crackers are still banned.

How green crackers differ from traditional ones

Delhi's air is already in the "poor" zone (AQI: 245-268) and is likely to get worse after Diwali.
Traditional firecrackers usually spike pollution, hitting health hard—especially for those with breathing or heart issues.
The Supreme Court hopes these limits will strike a balance between festive fun and public health, but strict enforcement will be key to keeping the city's air from getting even more toxic this week.