Supreme Court’s nod for green crackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali with strict rules

The Supreme Court of India has permitted the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, 2026, during specified hours, in accordance with its earlier order dated October 15, 2025.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale allowed green firecrackers to be burst between 6 am and 7 am and again from 8 pm to 10 pm on both days.

300-metre restriction around hospitals, silence zones

The Supreme Court has directed that no firecrackers shall be burst within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones.

These areas, along with educational institutions, will be designated as “No-Cracker Zones”, the court said.

The court has also directed that these zones be appropriately marked and publicised.

The bench had heard the matter last week. While declining to impose a complete ban on firecrackers, the Supreme Court stressed that repeated directions to regulate their use would serve little purpose unless authorities ensured strict enforcement on the ground.

"It concerns every living being," the bench said.

"There is no point in passing orders and directions unless you give effect to them on the ground, otherwise, it becomes a mockery," the court added, underlining the need for effective implementation.

The bench told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the Centre, that authorities needed to take the issue seriously and ensure compliance with the restrictions.

"We also understand the sentiments of the public. We are not inclined to completely ban but don't push us to take a very harsh stand," the bench told the law officer.

The court said regulating the use of firecrackers required cooperation from all stakeholders. It suggested that prominent personalities, including sportspersons, could be roped in to spread awareness about the environmental and health consequences of bursting crackers.

"Every year we are trying to balance it out but unless there is cooperation from everyone, it can't be done," the bench observed.

The court also stressed that the concerned officers should remain on the ground to monitor compliance.

Delhi introduces fresh pollution curbs 

The Supreme Court's directions come as Delhi has introduced fresh restrictions to tackle rising pollution levels during the winter season.

New restrictions on vehicle entry into the national capital came into effect on Sunday, November 1, as part of the government's efforts to curb pollution.

Under the restrictions, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-6 emission standards are prohibited from entering the city. The restriction will remain in force until January 31, 2027.

Inspection drives have been intensified at various border points leading into Delhi to ensure compliance.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had appealed to citizens, vehicle owners, construction agencies, institutions, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and commercial establishments to follow the pollution-control restrictions starting November 1.

The measures include restrictions on non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi, work-from-home arrangements for 50 per cent of staff, and a ban on construction and demolition activities.

Gupta said the Environment Department had made all necessary preparations for the effective implementation of the restrictions.

The Transport Department, Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Municipal Corporation and other concerned agencies have been directed to ensure strict enforcement.

Vehicle restrictions and construction ban

The Environment Department said the restrictions aim to tackle pollution at its source.

Special enforcement teams will be deployed, while compliance will be monitored through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and the AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

During the period, motor vehicles registered outside Delhi that conform to BS-IV or older emission standards will be prohibited from operating in the city.

CNG and electric vehicles, ambulances, fire tenders, police vehicles and other notified exempt vehicles will be allowed to operate, the statement said.

All dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will also be prohibited.

Essential public infrastructure projects will be exempt, subject to prescribed conditions. Indoor finishing, plumbing and electrical work at construction sites may continue, provided dust-control standards are strictly followed.

Parking fees doubled, offices to follow work-from-home rules

Parking fees at authorised parking lots across Delhi will be doubled from November 1 to February 28. Parking lots owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be exempt from the increase, the statement said.

The Delhi government has also introduced a system under which half of the staff in government and private offices will work from home.

Until January 31, physical attendance will be limited to a maximum of 50 per cent, with the remaining staff working from home. Essential and emergency services will receive prescribed exemptions.

To reduce traffic congestion, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will operate from 8.30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will function from 10 am to 6.30 pm.

The Environment Department said enforcement activities, ANPR camera data, recorded violations, challans issued and action taken at construction sites would be monitored through the AI-enabled ICCC.

Special enforcement teams have been instructed to act immediately upon receiving reports of violations.

(with agencies input)