Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Supreme Court has permitted the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on November 7 and 8, 2026, allowing people to celebrate within specified time slots.
According to the court's directions, green crackers can be burst between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm on both days. The permission is in accordance with the Supreme Court's earlier order dated October 15, 2025.
The court has also imposed restrictions to protect vulnerable groups and maintain peace in sensitive areas. No firecrackers will be allowed within a radius of 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones.
Educational institutions will also be declared 'no-cracker zones'. The designated areas must be appropriately marked, and the public must be informed about the restrictions.
Firecrackers Raise Concerns Over Air Pollution
The restrictions come amid concerns over the impact of firecrackers on air quality and public health. Burning firecrackers releases large quantities of particulate matter (PM) into the atmosphere, including PM10 and PM2.5.
These particles consist of a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. Due to their extremely small size, they can enter the respiratory system through the nose and reach deep into the lungs.
Fine particulate matter can penetrate lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, potentially travelling to other parts of the body. Such particles have also been detected in the brain, highlighting concerns about their ability to affect multiple organs.
The Supreme Court's directions aim to regulate firecracker use while limiting exposure to pollution, particularly in areas frequented by patients, elderly people and students.
