Supreme Court Allows Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR for Two Days

The Supreme Court has allowed certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for two days around Diwali, subject to limited hours and restrictions on where they may be used. The temporary permission applies on November 7 and 8, 2026, with the full ban returning November 9, according to the court’s October 29 order. The order permits fireworks only from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on each of the two days. They are barred within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones. Educational institutions are also covered by the restrictions, according to reports describing the order. The court directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to take steps against illegal and conventional firecrackers. It also prohibited crackers containing barium, products not approved as green crackers by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), and fireworks joined in series, known as ladi or garland crackers. Manufacturers with valid certification from CSIR-NEERI and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation may produce only listed green crackers...