Delhi Government to Seek Supreme Court Nod for Green Firecrackers on Diwali 2025
New Delhi, October 9, 2025 — Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced that her government will move the Supreme Court seeking permission to allow the use of certified green firecrackers during Diwali celebrations this year.
Gupta said the move aims to strike a balance between protecting the environment and respecting the religious sentiments of millions who celebrate Diwali in the national capital.
“Respecting the sentiments of the people, our government is attempting to balance tradition with environmental protection,” said the Chief Minister, as quoted by PTI.
Gupta emphasized that Diwali holds deep cultural and emotional significance for Indians and that the government must ensure that the celebration continues in a responsible and sustainable manner.
A Move Balancing Faith and Environment
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that Diwali is “the most important festival of Indian culture,” celebrated with devotion, unity, and light across the nation.
She stated that while Delhi has been battling severe air pollution during the festival season for years, the government’s initiative to seek permission for certified green firecrackers aims to reduce environmental impact while preserving cultural practices.
“Millions of people in Delhi look forward to Diwali every year. We must find a way to celebrate it responsibly without harming the environment,” she added.
The Delhi government’s decision comes as the national capital continues to struggle with deteriorating air quality every winter, a problem often aggravated by Diwali festivities, stubble burning, and weather patterns that trap pollutants near the ground.
The Legal Landscape Around Firecrackers
The Supreme Court of India has played a pivotal role in regulating the use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. Taking note of the severe pollution and health hazards, the court imposed a comprehensive ban on the manufacturing, sale, and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers in the region in 2024.
Under the court’s order dated September 26, 2024, only certified manufacturers were allowed to produce green firecrackers, but their sale in Delhi-NCR remained prohibited without prior court approval.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Gavai directed the central government to consult stakeholders and devise a balanced approach to the cracker issue. The court also noted that despite previous rulings, the ban was not implemented in letter and spirit across the region.
As per Law Chakra, certified green firecracker manufacturers can produce within the NCR, provided they do not sell them locally. These manufacturers are required to obtain approvals from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
The restrictions extend beyond Delhi, with similar bans in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, aiming to curb cross-border supply and sales of traditional firecrackers.
Delhi’s Worsening Air Quality
Delhi’s battle with toxic air continues to be a pressing issue. During October and November 2024, the capital witnessed alarming air pollution levels, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings consistently in the very poor to severe range.
Areas such as Bawana, Mundka, and Anand Vihar recorded AQI levels exceeding 400, while PM2.5 concentrations reached hazardous highs — nearly eight times the safe limit prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Landmarks like India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan were shrouded in dense smog as visibility dropped sharply. Doctors across the city reported spikes in respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly.
Following this, the Supreme Court ordered the continuation of Stage 4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — which included a ban on diesel-run heavy vehicles and suspension of construction activities.
Despite falling temperatures and increasing humidity, pollution levels showed little improvement, underlining the city’s deep-rooted air quality crisis.
What Are Green Firecrackers?
Green firecrackers, developed under the supervision of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), are designed to emit 30–35% less particulate matter and reduced sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to traditional ones.
They do not contain harmful chemicals like lithium, arsenic, or barium, which are known to cause respiratory and cardiac problems.
However, experts argue that even green firecrackers contribute to air and noise pollution if used on a large scale, especially during Delhi’s peak pollution months. Environmentalists have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt sustainable celebration methods such as laser shows, eco-friendly diyas, and community fireworks at open grounds instead of narrow residential areas.
Political and Public Response
Rekha Gupta’s announcement has generated mixed reactions. Supporters of the ruling party welcomed the decision as a pro-people step that respects cultural values. Meanwhile, environmental activists cautioned against any relaxation of the existing ban, citing Delhi’s fragile air quality situation.
Political observers noted that the move could carry political significance, coming at a time when the city government faces pressure to address pollution concerns without alienating traditional voters.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the Delhi government’s petition before Diwali 2025. If approved, it would mark the first time in years that controlled use of firecrackers might be permitted in the capital under judicial supervision.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Delhi government’s decision to seek Supreme Court permission for certified green firecrackers reflects a growing attempt to reconcile faith with environmental responsibility. As the capital gears up for another Diwali season amid pollution concerns, the final verdict will determine whether citizens can celebrate with controlled joy or continue under a complete ban.
Balancing tradition and sustainability is the need of the hour — and the court’s ruling will likely set the tone for future celebrations across India.