Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced that her government will approach the Supreme Court to seek permission for the use of green firecrackers during Diwali in the national capital. Gupta said the government will present its stand in writing before the apex court on October 8, emphasising its commitment to controlling pollution while also respecting the sentiments of residents celebrating the festival.
Speaking on the matter, Gupta highlighted the cultural and emotional significance of Diwali for millions of people in Delhi. “I believe that Delhi’s problems are there in their place, and working on them is one solution, but there are millions of people in the country who are religious, for whom Diwali is a very big festival, connected to emotions In such a situation, I understand that they should be given permission for this, whether in the form of green crackers, so that they can celebrate their festival well,” she said.
While respecting the sentiments of Delhi residents, the Chief Minister added that the government will formally request the Supreme Court to grant permission for the use of certified green firecrackers this Diwali.
She said the government believes a balance between public sentiments and environmental protection is essential, aiming to strengthen its commitment to pollution control while honouring traditions.
“It will also be ensured that all green firecrackers are manufactured only by authorised institutions and have been certified and tested by competent and relevant departments,” Gupta said.
She reaffirmed the government’s dedication to environmental protection and pollution control, assuring that the Supreme Court will be informed of Delhi government’s full compliance with all court guidelines and standards. “Our objective is a Diwali sparkling with joy, along with a clean and safe environment,” she added.
The Chief Minister clarified that the government’s request will focus on certified green firecrackers, ensuring adherence to regulations and public safety.
“The Delhi government reiterates its commitment to effectively control pollution and protect the environment and assures full cooperation with the Supreme Court to implement any directive issued in this regard,” she said.
Currently, all kinds of firecrackers are banned in Delhi under court orders. Earlier, the Supreme Court had permitted certified manufacturers to produce green crackers but restricted their sale within Delhi-NCR without prior approval.
A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai had also directed the Centre to reconsider the absolute ban on firecracker manufacture in the Delhi-NCR region.
Gupta reiterated that the Delhi government’s written submission will seek to balance the celebration of Diwali with environmental responsibility. “Keeping in mind the sentiments of crores of people in Delhi, our government has requested the Supreme Court to allow the use of green firecrackers in Delhi during the festival,” she said.
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