Delhi-NCR Diwali festivities gain some reprieve, but only QR-coded, NEERI-approved green crackers are allowed. Enforcement squads are ready to collect illicit stock and give out big fines for breaking the rules.
The Supreme Court says that green firecrackers can be used in Delhi-NCR, but only if there are no rules against them.
The Supreme Court has given a very limited and conditional okay for the sale and use of green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR area. They have made it clear that this is only allowed “on a test case basis.” The allocation depends a lot on several authorities strictly enforcing the rules and keeping an eye on the environment to reduce air pollution during the Diwali holiday.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Delhi Police, are getting ready with patrol squads to make sure everyone follows the rules. According to media, officials said that only green firecrackers that have been approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) and have QR codes that can be checked will be allowed on the specified days and times.
Strict Implementation and Sale Planning
The Supreme Court has told the Delhi Police to fast process temporary sale license applications for two days so that stores are ready on time. These interim licenses for Diwali sales would be given to about 140 PESO-certified stores in the capital.
It’s important that stores only have two days following Diwali to safely get rid of or return any unsold goods. This way, the rules will be back in place right after the holiday.
The Delhi administration, led by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, conducted high-level discussions with stakeholders to talk about how to carry out the court’s orders without any problems. Sirsa gave makers and sellers a strong warning: “We need your support because only QR code green crackers will be authorized, and the producers will have to follow this order. Fireworks that don’t have a QR code will be taken away, and licenses will be put on hold.
Detailed Rules on How to Use and Not Use
The following laws about the kind, time, and place of firecrackers shall be rigorously followed in Delhi-NCR:
Allowed Conditions (Conditional Allowance):
Type of Cracker: You can only use “green firecrackers” that have been approved by NEERI. These crackers have been tested and shown to release 30% fewer gases and particles than regular ones. A QR code that may be checked must be on all permitted green firecrackers.
Sale Period: The sale is only open from October 18 to 20. Only traders with licenses that have been renewed or temporarily re-validated will be able to sell.
When and how to burst crackers: You can only burst them on the two days of Diwali (October 19 and 20) and only during two precise times: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. It is against the law to burst outside of these hours.
Strictly Forbidden Items and Activities:
Not allowed Crackers: Firecrackers that are normal or have a lot of emissions, as well as those that have substances like barium, and series or “Ladi” firecrackers are not allowed at all.
You can’t buy firecrackers from outside of Delhi-NCR or online through Amazon, Flipkart, or any other e-commerce site.
Unlicensed Sales: You can’t sell things on the side of the road without a license, and stores that sell crackers without a license will be shut down right away and their licenses will be suspended.
A strategy for strict enforcement
Intense watchfulness across the region will make sure that the Supreme Court’s orders are carried out.
Patrolling and Checking: The Delhi Police will do a lot of foot patrols to check for the selling of illegal and prohibited firecrackers.
Joint Teams: Police and pollution control authorities will work together to make sure everyone in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan follows the rules.
PESO has been told to do surprise inspections at different sales locations and take samples to verify that the products meet the standards.
Immediate Action: More beat officers and enforcement teams will be sent to residential and market areas to keep an eye on things. If you break the rules, you will face instant consequences, such as having your unlawful stocks taken and severe fines.