In a major update ahead of Diwali 2026, the Supreme Court has permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for two days, subject to strict timing and location restrictions. The decision offers limited relief to residents who wish to celebrate the festival with firecrackers while keeping pollution concerns in mind.
According to the court’s directions, people will be allowed to burst approved green firecrackers only on November 7 and 8, 2026. Diwali will be celebrated on November 8 this year.
Green Crackers Allowed Only During Specific Hours
The Supreme Court has clearly specified two time slots for bursting green firecrackers across Delhi-NCR. Residents must follow these timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM
- Evening: 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
These permissions will remain valid only for November 7 and 8. Bursting firecrackers outside the permitted hours will not be allowed.
Firecrackers Banned Near Hospitals and Educational Institutions
The court has also imposed restrictions on the use of firecrackers in sensitive areas to protect patients, senior citizens, children and other vulnerable groups.
Firecrackers will not be permitted within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones.
These locations will be treated as ‘No-Cracker Zones’, with authorities directed to identify and publicize the restricted areas.
Only Certified Green Crackers Permitted
The Supreme Court has made it clear that the temporary relaxation does not allow the use of conventional firecrackers.
Only green crackers approved by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) will be permitted.
The court has also directed that:
- Firecrackers containing barium will not be allowed.
- Green crackers that do not have the required CSIR-NEERI approval will remain prohibited.
- Manufacturing of certified green crackers by manufacturers holding valid CSIR-NEERI and PESO certification will be permitted from November 2 to November 6.
- Joined firecrackers, commonly known as ‘ladis’ or garlands, cannot be manufactured or sold.
Authorities have also been directed to prevent the supply and circulation of illegal and conventional firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.
Complete Firecracker Ban to Return from November 9
The temporary permission will end after November 8. The Supreme Court has directed that the complete ban on firecrackers, as imposed earlier, will be restored with effect from November 9, 2026.
This means residents will have to follow the temporary relaxation strictly and cannot assume that firecrackers will be permitted beyond the two specified days.
What Are Green Crackers?
Green crackers are specially developed firecrackers designed to reduce certain emissions compared with conventional fireworks. They are developed under the scientific framework of CSIR-NEERI and are intended to reduce particulate emissions and other pollutants.
However, green crackers are not pollution-free. Their use can still contribute to air and noise pollution, which is why the Supreme Court has limited their use to specific days, hours and locations.
What Delhi-NCR Residents Should Know
The latest Supreme Court directions provide a limited window for Diwali celebrations involving certified green crackers. Residents should check whether the products carry valid approval and follow the prescribed timings and No-Cracker Zone restrictions.
The decision aims to balance festival celebrations with the need to control air pollution and safeguard public health in Delhi-NCR.
