Delhi imposes tight regulations for Diwali festivities this year

This Diwali, Delhi Police and authorities are enforcing strict rules for the sale and use of firecrackers. Only green firecrackers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and NEERI will be allowed in Delhi-NCR. These crackers must have QR codes to ensure they meet environmental standards. The Supreme Court has allowed the use of green firecrackers on a “test case basis,” and authorities will monitor the sale and bursting closely.

Patrolling teams from multiple agencies, including Delhi Police, will ensure compliance. Illegal firecrackers will be seized, and those violating the rules will face heavy penalties. About 140 PESO-certified retailers in Delhi will receive temporary licenses to sell green firecrackers for Diwali. These licenses are valid only for the permitted days, and retailers must return or safely dispose of unsold stock after the festival.

The Delhi government, led by environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, held several meetings with police and enforcement agencies to implement the court’s guidelines. Sirsa said only QR-coded green crackers will be allowed, and any violation will lead to confiscation of stock and suspension of licenses.

Authorities have clearly outlined what is allowed and what is prohibited to prevent pollution and ensure safety during the festive season.

Allowed and prohibited activities

What is allowed:

• The sale of green firecrackers is allowed only from October 18 to 20.

• Firecrackers can only be burst between 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm on October 19 and 20.

• Only NEERI-approved green firecrackers, which release 30% less smoke and harmful gases, can be sold, purchased, or used.

• Only traders with valid or temporarily renewed licenses can sell these firecrackers.

What is prohibited:

• Conventional, high-emission firecrackers, including series or ‘Ladi’ crackers, are banned.

• Green firecrackers without QR codes will not be allowed.

• Bursting firecrackers outside permitted hours is not allowed.

• Shops selling uncertified firecrackers will have their licenses suspended.

• Firecrackers bought from outside Delhi-NCR are not allowed.

• Firecrackers purchased from online platforms such as Amazon or Flipkart cannot be used.

• Unlicensed roadside sales are prohibited.

The Supreme Court has emphasized strict enforcement of these rules. Joint teams of police and pollution control officials from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan will patrol markets and residential areas to ensure compliance. PESO officials will also conduct surprise inspections at sale outlets and perform sample tests to confirm the quality and certification of firecrackers.

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Additional beat staff and enforcement teams will be deployed in residential areas, markets, and known sale points. They will act immediately if any violation occurs, including seizure of illegal firecrackers and imposing heavy penalties. This is part of the government’s effort to keep the environment safe and reduce air pollution during the festive season.

Authorities have warned that these rules are non-negotiable. Retailers and consumers are expected to cooperate fully to ensure a safe and environmentally friendly Diwali. The government has also emphasized that awareness campaigns will continue to educate the public about the proper use of green firecrackers and the penalties for violations.

By following these rules, Delhi authorities hope to balance the tradition of bursting firecrackers with environmental safety. The strict monitoring and enforcement will ensure that celebrations remain safe for everyone while reducing harmful effects on air quality.