GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Oct: In a move that reignites the debate between festive spirit and environmental responsibility, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday appealed to the Supreme Court to permit the use of green firecrackers in the national capital during Diwali, saying the festival “feels incomplete” without fireworks.
“Diwali is a festival of joy. Without fireworks, it feels incomplete. At least green crackers should be permitted in Delhi,” Gupta said, ahead of a formal hearing scheduled for Wednesday. She emphasised that her government’s request aims to balance festive sentiment with pollution control, at a time when Delhi’s air quality typically deteriorates to hazardous levels.
The Delhi government will submit a written request to the Supreme Court, seeking permission for green crackers that comply with environmental norms. “Diwali is the most significant festival in Indian culture. Keeping in mind the sentiments of millions of Delhi residents, our government has urged the Supreme Court to allow the use of green firecrackers during the festive period,” Gupta stated.
Assuring full cooperation with judicial directions, the Chief Minister added, “We fully support measures to protect the environment and will comply with all norms laid down by the Supreme Court.”
Under the proposed guidelines, only firecrackers certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) will be permitted, ensuring that emissions remain within prescribed limits.
Supreme Court Reviews Blanket Ban
The appeal comes just days after the Supreme Court permitted the manufacture of green firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) but maintained a ban on their sale until further notice. The bench also directed stakeholders to submit a revised proposal regarding the practicality of a complete ban, noting that enforcement had been “largely ineffective.”
The earlier AAP-led Delhi government had imposed a blanket ban on the manufacture, sale, and bursting of all types of firecrackers — including green variants — as part of its winter pollution mitigation plan. The ban also extended to online sales, with the aim of curbing seasonal smog.
At the time, the BJP, then in opposition, accused the AAP of “hurting Hindu sentiments” and called for eco-friendly options to be allowed. Now, with the BJP in power, Gupta’s appeal signals a shift toward reconciling cultural traditions with environmental responsibility.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the matter, all eyes are on whether Delhi will see the sparkle of green fireworks light up its skyline this Diwali — or whether the city’s fight against pollution will once again take precedence over its most celebrated festival.
