Delhi CM Rekha Gupta urges Supreme Court to allow green firecrackers for Diwali

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta appeals to Supreme Court: “Allow green firecrackers, Diwali feels incomplete without them”

October 6, 2025

Delhi CM urges SC to allow green firecrackers for Diwali

Delhi govt set to file a written plea before SC, seeking limited permission for green firecrackers

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday appealed to the Supreme Court to allow the use of green firecrackers during Diwali, arguing that a complete ban would make the festival “feel incomplete” for millions of residents. The formal hearing on the matter is scheduled for Wednesday.

“Diwali is a festival of joy. Without fireworks, it feels incomplete. At least green crackers should be permitted in Delhi,” Gupta said, emphasizing that her government’s request strikes a balance between festive sentiment and environmental responsibility.

The Delhi government is set to file a written plea before the apex court, seeking limited permission for green firecrackers that comply with pollution-control standards. “Keeping in mind the sentiments of millions of Delhiites, our government has urged the Supreme Court to allow green firecrackers during the festive period,” Gupta said.

Under the proposal, only firecrackers certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) will be permitted, ensuring toxic emissions remain within prescribed limits.

The appeal comes days after the Supreme Court allowed the manufacture of green firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) but maintained a ban on their sale until further notice. The court also directed authorities to consult stakeholders and propose revisions to the absolute ban, calling it “impractical and difficult to enforce.”

Previously, under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Delhi had imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and bursting of all firecrackers — including green variants — as part of its annual winter pollution control strategy. The BJP, then in opposition, had accused AAP of “hurting Hindu sentiments” and called for eco-friendly alternatives.

Now, with the BJP in power, the shift in policy reflects an attempt to reconcile cultural traditions with environmental safeguards ahead of the festival season.

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