The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and bursting of green crackers in Delhi and the adjoining NCR region from October 18 to 21. The court said firecrackers can be burst only between 6 am and 7 am, and 8 pm and 10 pm, on two days — the day before Diwali and on the day of the festival.

A bench of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran passed the order while hearing the Delhi government’s plea seeking permission to use certified green firecrackers during Diwali in the national capital.

According to the Supreme Court, there must be a “balanced approach” between celebrating festivities and protecting the environment. “We have to take a balanced approach, permitting the bursting of green firecrackers in moderation while not compromising the environment,”

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