Make green crackers, but no sale in NCR: SC

Ahead of Diwali celebrations, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed manufacture of green firecrackers in Delhi but made it clear that such crackers cannot be sold in Delhi-NCR in wake of the rising pollution menace.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai observed that a balance has to be struck in such matters. "What is the problem in allowing them (firecracker manufacturers) to manufacture if they follow norms? Extreme orders will create problems. Let them manufacture and let there be no sale in NCR till further orders," the CJI remarked.

The bench asked the central government to come up with a balanced solution in such matters after consulting all stakeholders. "It is appropriate if the Union comes up with a solution after consulting all stakeholders. It has been explained that even though a complete ban was ordered... the ban could not be implemented. Like in the state of Bihar, though there was a ban on mining... it led to illegal mining mafias. Thus, a balanced approach is needed," the bench said.


It asked the counsel for Centre to communicate to the ministry of environment and forest that all stakeholders must be taken on record. The case will come up for resumed hearing on October 8.