The Supreme Court has allowed the limited use of green crackers during Diwali in Delhi-NCR, under strict monitoring to control pollution levels. The court reiterated that only crackers meeting environmental safety standards can be sold and used, and banned any non-compliant firecrackers.

Can green crackers truly make Delhi’s air cleaner this Diwali? Or does the festive celebration still risk choking the city’s already fragile atmosphere? News9’s Kartikeya Sharma unpacks the science, policy, and politics behind green crackers in conversation with Dr. Sanjeev Agrawal, former Addl. Dir., CPCB; CSE’s Sharanjeet Kaur; Environmental Activist Bhavreen Kandhari; and EnviroCatalysts’ Sunil Dahiya.

The Supreme Court has relaxed the complete ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). This Diwali, the sale and bursting of green crackers has been permitted, albeit with certain conditions. Green crackers do not contain harmful chemicals like sulphur nitrates, arsenic, magnesium, sodium, lead, and barium. But are they less polluting than traditional crackers?

The Supreme Court allowed the bursting of firecrackers from 6 am to 8 am and again from 8 pm to 10 pm within the designated period. The sale of green crackers will also be allowed only between 15 and 25 October at specified sites.

Ahead of a Supreme Court decision, people in Delhi are split on "green crackers". Some residents support the eco-friendly fireworks for Diwali, while others are against any firecrackers because of the city's poor air quality.

For experts, the experiment lacks rationale in absence of cutting emissions at the source

Supreme Court may lift the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR for five days during Diwali, with strict time slots. Decision awaits final order.

In a significant policy reversal, the Supreme Court on Friday permitted the sale and bursting of fire-crackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) for five days during Diwali … ‘For the time being, we will allow it during the five days of Diwali on a trial basis. However, we will confine it to certain time limits,’ the CJI-led bench stated.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday said it would lift the blanket ban on fire-crackers in Delhi-NCR for five days during Diwali, allowing limited celebrations under regulated conditions. As per the Centre’s proposal, fire-crackers may be used between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali and other major festivals, 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on New Year’s Eve, and for one-hour slots on Gurpurab.

Firecrackers may make headlines during Diwali, but they are only a temporary reason for the city's air pollution.

The Supreme Court of India indicated on Friday that it may relax the absolute ban on fire-crackers in Delhi–NCR during Diwali, giving tentative approval to limited use under prescribed conditions. A bench headed by B. R. Gavai with Justice K. Vinod Chandran reserved its order after listening to arguments, signalling willingness to permit fireworks for a brief period around the festival.

While "green crackers" are less toxic than regular fireworks, experts warn they will still pollute Delhi's air. Using them will add to the city's severe pollution and make it harder to breathe, especially during winter.

The Supreme Court may allow "green crackers" in the Delhi area for Diwali, but only on a trial basis. This means they would be permitted as a test to see how they affect the city's air quality.

"Green crackers" are set to return for Diwali in Delhi, but their sale is waiting for a final decision from the Supreme Court. These special fireworks are known for causing about 30% less pollution compared to traditional ones.

"Green crackers" are back for sale this Diwali. However, experts are warning that these fireworks are still a problem. While they are less polluting than normal ones, they still release harmful smoke and will add to the capital's toxic air.

The Supreme Court is thinking about partially lifting its ban on firecrackers for Diwali in the Delhi area. This means some types of fireworks might be allowed, but it is not a full return to normal and certain restrictions will likely remain.

The court’s reversal comes months after another bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka reaffirmed Delhi’s firecracker ban — extended to NCR states in April.

With nine days until Diwali, there is a problem with the government's plan for eco-friendly fireworks. The plan is struggling because there aren't enough of these 'green' crackers available for sale.

Mumbai weather is clear today, but the air quality is poor. The AQI (Air Quality Index) is at a concerning level. People are being advised to be careful, especially when exercising outside.