Delhi CM Rekha Gupta urges the Supreme Court to permit the use of eco-friendly green crackers for Diwali celebrations, emphasizing that the festival feels incomplete without fireworks while ensuring environmental safety and pollution control.
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NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has appealed to the Supreme Court to allow the use of ‘green firecrackers’ during Diwali.
On Monday, CM Rekha Gupta made a heartfelt plea to the apex court, stating that Diwali without fireworks feels incomplete for millions of Delhiites.
“Diwali is a festival of joy. Without fireworks, it feels incomplete. At least green crackers should be permitted in Delhi,”
she said.
Gupta emphasized that her government’s proposal seeks to balance festive traditions with environmental responsibility. A formal written request will be submitted to the Supreme Court before Wednesday’s hearing.
Under Gupta’s proposal, only firecrackers certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) will be allowed.
These “green” variants are designed to emit 30% less particulate matter and reduce harmful emissions, keeping pollution levels within prescribed limits.
Supreme Court Reviews Blanket Ban
The appeal comes just days after the Supreme Court allowed the manufacturing of green firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR), but continued its ban on sales until further notice.
The court also hinted that a complete ban on firecrackers may not be “practical or ideal,” citing poor enforcement and the need for a more nuanced, consultative approach.
In previous years, under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Delhi had imposed a total ban on the manufacture, sale, and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers, including the green variants. The decision was part of its winter pollution-control strategy.
At the time, the BJP, then in opposition, had accused the AAP of “hurting Hindu sentiments” and argued for eco-friendly alternatives instead.
Now, with the BJP leading the Delhi government, the shift is evident. Rekha Gupta’s appeal reflects an effort to reconcile cultural celebrations with environmental consciousness, a middle path many citizens have been hoping for.
Every year, Delhi grapples with a toxic smog crisis around Diwali, as emissions from vehicles, stubble burning, and fireworks push air quality into the “severe” category.
Gupta assured that her administration would strictly enforce pollution-control measures and cooperate fully with the Supreme Court’s directions.
“We fully support measures to protect the environment and will cooperate with any directions issued by the Supreme Court,”
she added.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Firecracker Ban