Diwali 2026 with green crackers: What are the approvals required by fireworks makers as SC allows bursting Nov 7 | Today’s news
The Supreme Court allowed the bursting of approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, ahead of Diwali 2026, but imposed strict conditions on manufacturers, sellers and consumers, according to PTI.
The court directed the authorities to ensure that only certified green biscuits are manufactured and sold.
Diwali is celebrated on November 8 this year. The temporary relaxation comes after the court expressed concern over the implementation of earlier directions and measures taken by authorities to control firecracker-related pollution in the state capital region.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Green cookies can be popped on November 7th and 8th from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The total ban returns on November 9.
Manufacturers must hold valid certificates from both CSIR-NEERI and PESO. They can manufacture only the green crackers listed on the CSIR-NEERI website during the permitted manufacturing period of 2-6. november
Buy only approved green cookies with product-specific QR codes. A scan of the code should show details such as the manufacturer’s identity, registration and license, composition and test certificate.
Firecrackers containing barium, products not approved by CSIR-NEERI like green crackers and crackers connected in series like ‘ladis’ or garlands are prohibited.
They cannot be torn within 300 meters of hospitals, health centres, retirement homes, educational institutions or notified silence zones. These areas are to be marked and posted as crack free zones.
Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale passed the guidelines in an order dated October 29, which was made available on Monday. It specified that the total ban on firecrackers would return from November 9.
What approvals are required for manufacturers of green firecrackers?
The Supreme Court specified that manufacturers must hold valid certifications from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).
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Only manufacturers who have valid certification from both authorities can produce approved green firecrackers. The production window has been restricted to November 2-6, 2026 and manufacturers can only produce those green crackers listed on the CSIR-NEERI website.
The court also ordered that boxes containing green crackers must remain completely sealed to prevent mixing of conventional or unauthorized fireworks with certified products.
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Firecrackers containing barium as well as products not approved by CSIR-NEERI like green crackers cannot be manufactured or used as directed by the court. The manufacture and sale of firecrackers connected in series, commonly known as “ladis” or garlands, was also banned.
What do merchants and sellers have to comply with?
The court allowed the sale of only approved green firecrackers bearing product-specific QR codes. A scan of these codes must display details including manufacturer identity, NEERI registration, PESO and District Magistrate license, composition and examination certificate.
Traders whose licenses have been canceled will be given temporary renewal from November 4 to November 6 to sell approved green biscuits purchased from CSIR-NEERI certified manufacturers.
The bench also directed authorities to require manufacturers and traders to provide cash deposits. These deposits will be immediately forfeited if they violate court instructions or applicable regulations.
The District Collectors and Commissioners, in consultation with the police, will identify the locations designated for the sale of green biscuits throughout the NCR. The sale of fireworks at any other location, including through online platforms, will continue to be prohibited.
Authorities have also been directed to prevent the movement of illegal and conventional firecrackers into Delhi-NCR by checking vehicles entering the region.
When can residents break green crackers in Delhi-NCR?
The Supreme Court allowed the bursting of green firecrackers only in two designated windows on November 7 and 8:
The permit is subject to restrictions regarding the placement of fireworks. No crackers can be broken within 300 meters of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, retirement homes, educational institutions and notified quiet zones. Authorities must declare these areas crack-free, mark them in place and publicize their location.
The court stated, “While imposing a blanket ban appears to be the ideal solution, we are of the view that this court lacks sufficient data at this time to decide whether a complete ban would be the best solution to the problem of environmental pollution caused by bursting firecrackers.”
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It also noted that the right to follow an individual practice, even if it has a religious association, is subject to constitutional restrictions.
How will authorities monitor pollution?
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been directed to monitor the AQI levels in the respective NCR jurisdictions in consultation with the State Pollution Control Boards and their regional offices.
Authorities must prepare daily air quality reports covering November 2-8 and another set of reports for November 9-30. During the period, they will also take sand and water samples for comparative analysis.
The court asked state secretaries of the education department in NCR to sensitize school children about the health and environmental effects of pollution, especially during festivals.
The matter was posted for further hearing on December 16.
(With agency input)
