A “blanket prohibition” on green firecrackers in the Capital has failed to get the desired results as real-time enforcement is challenging, the Delhi government is expected to tell the Supreme Court (SC), sources said. The government’s stand has been prepared ahead of the SC hearing on Wednesday on allowing green crackers in the city on Diwali. This comes in the wake of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announcing that her government will move SC for permission to burst certified green firecrackers on Diwali. Despite a complete ban on firecrackers, including green crackers, sources said that “violations have persisted, often due to the absence of viable alternatives and challenges in real-time enforcement.” Taking into account how a complete ban on firecrackers has not delivered the desired results, a source said, “In this context, the Delhi government is of the considered view that permitting the use of certified green crackers in a regulated and time-bound manner, supported by robust enforcement and active public participation, may offer a more pragmatic and implementable solution.” To ensure effective implementation of certified green crackers in the city, the Delhi government has proposed enforcement and monitoring mechanisms such as the deployment of agencies, including Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Revenue department, and local bodies to prevent the sale and use of non-compliant firecrackers, officials said. Further, the government will establish a dedicated control room during the festive period to receive and promptly act on public complaints, officials added. As part of its efforts, the government will promote platforms such as the Sameer app, the Green Delhi app, and other official channels, where residents can report violations. Through its Environment department, the government also plans to launch a public awareness campaign to educate people about the types of crackers that are permitted for use, associated environmental impacts, and available reporting mechanisms. Further, the government reiterated its commitment to safeguard public health and the environment and assured full cooperation with the Union government and the SC in implementing directions issued in this regard, sources said. “The Delhi government has no objection to the use of green firecrackers, provided they are manufactured by authorised entities, duly certified by the competent authorities,” said a senior official. “Diwali is a festival of significant religious and cultural importance, deeply rooted in the sentiments of a large section of the population. Keeping in view such public interest and considering the legitimate economic interests of manufacturers engaged in the production of green crackers, it is respectfully submitted that the limited use of green crackers during the festive period may be permitted, subject to any reasonable restrictions deemed necessary in the interest of public health and safety,” said a source. According to sources, the government will submit its stand for consideration, seeking permission from the apex court to allow the bursting of certified green firecrackers on Diwali. In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) had said on Monday, “...Permission should be given for the use of certified green firecrackers while following public participation and government regulations.”
