Residents of Delhi-NCR have received limited relief ahead of Diwali, with the Supreme Court allowing the use of green crackers for two days, November 7 and 8. The permission will remain valid only for these dates, and the ban on firecrackers will come into effect again from November 9. The court has made it clear that people must strictly follow the prescribed timings and other safety guidelines. The decision aims to allow limited celebrations while keeping pollution levels and public health concerns in mind. Only approved green crackers will be permitted, and violations of the court's directions may invite action from the authorities.

Morning and Evening Timings Fixed for Green Crackers
According to the Supreme Court's directions, green crackers can be burst only between 6 AM and 7 AM in the morning and 8 PM and 10 PM at night on November 7 and 8. Their use outside these designated hours will not be allowed. The court has directed authorities to ensure strict implementation of the rules and install public awareness banners explaining the permitted timings and consequences of violations. Schools, colleges, hospitals and old-age homes will be treated as silence zones. Bursting crackers will be prohibited within a 300-metre radius of these institutions. Authorities have also been asked to clearly mark these areas and inform the public about the restrictions, keeping the health and comfort of elderly and sick people in mind.

Fixed Sale Locations, Online Sales Prohibited
The Supreme Court has also issued directions regarding the sale of green crackers. District Collectors and District Commissioners across the NCR have been instructed to identify designated sales locations in consultation with Superintendents of Police. Firecrackers will not be permitted to be sold outside these authorised centres, and online sales will remain prohibited. Authorities have also been directed to inspect vehicles to prevent the transportation and sale of illegal and traditional firecrackers. Awareness banners must be displayed at authorised shops explaining how to identify CSIR-NEERI-approved green crackers. Sellers will also have to ensure that crackers are sold only in properly sealed packages. The administration will be responsible for enforcing the restrictions and ensuring compliance with the court's directions throughout the permitted period.