Short notice will make it difficult to enforce guidelines, fear experts

Ensuring that only green firecrackers are burst during Deepavali, as permitted by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, will be extremely difficult to implement, according to experts.

The top court lifted the blanket ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, allowing the sale and bursting of only certified green firecrackers.

However, with limited time for traders to procure stock and for authorities to enforce the guidelines, experts warn the order could be flouted on a large-scale.

Rajiv Kumar Jain, a member of the Delhi Shopkeeper Association, welcomed the apex court’s decision and termed it “a balanced approach” but admitted that it seems to be difficult for traders to procure and sell green firecrackers in such a short window. “We have less than three days to source them, and supplies cannot reach from Tamil Nadu within this time, given other court restrictions,” he said.

The apex court reaffirmed a year-round prohibition on the production and sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR in April, calling it “absolutely necessary”. Despite this, Delhi witnessed use of firecrackers during Dasara and Karwa Chauth this year, highlighting a chronic enforcement failure.

‘Violations will repeat’

Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari expressed concern that the short notice would again make enforcement ineffective. “Firecrackers are already being burst despite the existing ban. With only three days to prepare, it is impossible to ensure that only green crackers are sold or used. The same pattern of violations will repeat, and we will once again face toxic air after Deepavali,” she said.

Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at Envirocatalysts, a think tank that works on energy and environment,said the court’s move could backfire environmentally. “Legalising green crackers effectively legalises heightened emissions during the festive period. Even if each produces 30% less pollution, the massive volume will offset any gains, resulting in a net increase in emissions,” he said.

According to official data, 974 of the 1,403 registered green firecracker manufacturers are based in Tamil Nadu. P. Ganesan, president of the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers’ Association, said no fresh supplies could reach the NCR region this Deepavali. “There is only one such manufacturer in Delhi, 51 in Uttar Pradesh, and none in Haryana,” he added.