As Diwali approaches, the Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and bursting of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)-certified “green crackers” in Delhi-NCR on a “test-case basis”. Instead of a blanket ban, the court has allowed green crackers only between October 18 and 20, with bursting restricted to between 6-7 am and 8-10 pm on the eve of Diwali and Diwali day.

The SC ruled that only crackers manufactured by registered NEERI and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-approved firms, bearing QR codes will be allowed to be sold. E-commerce sale is prohibited. The Central and State Pollution Control Boards, in consultation with the CPCB, are mandated to monitor air quality from October 14 onwards and file reports with the court.

This marks a

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