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With only a few applications for temporary licences received on Thursday, the process of permitting the sale of green crackers in Delhi began on a slow note. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the nodal agency for regulating safety of hazardous substances, allowed 122 permanent license holders to operate for three days — between October 18 to October 20 — as per the Supreme Court’s order on Wednesday, said officials. Teams, including officers of the Delhi Police and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), have started patrolling various parts of the Capital.
There are a total of 140 permanent trading license holders in the city, who couldn’t legally operate earlier because of the ban on firecrackers imposed by the SC. In its communication to the traders, the nodal agency stated: “In compliance with the Honourable Supreme Court of India order, the cancellation order issued to you is revoked hereby for the period… You are advised to strictly follow the said order.”
According to officials, at least 20 applications for temporary trading licences were received across districts by Thursday evening — the first day after the Delhi Police opened the window for such applications. In some districts, officials said they had received “barely five to eight requests”.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the number is expected to rise in the next two days. He directed police officers to process applications within two days to ensure timely readiness. “Under the winter action plan, which kicked off today, we have again put emphasis on firecracker control,” he said, adding that a routine meeting with senior officers from various departments was held to review compliance.
Sirsa had on Wednesday directed that retailers be given two days after Diwali to return or safely dispose of unsold stock, after which all restrictions will be reinstated. Under the new directions, the sale of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)-approved green crackers will be permitted only from October 18 to 20. Their use is restricted to 6 to 7 am and 8 to 10 pm on October 19 (the day before Diwali) and October 20 (Diwali day).
Only QR-coded green crackers from licensed vendors will be allowed at designated sale sites identified jointly by the district administration and Delhi Police. The ban on all other firecrackers, including series/laris and online sales, remains in full force. Any illegal stock will be confiscated, and violators prosecuted under the Explosives Rules and Environment Protection Act.
On the enforcement of the order, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Devesh Chandra Srivastva said that district police teams have begun patrolling to ensure compliance. “Enforcement teams have been deployed to monitor sale points, and action will be taken against anyone violating the Supreme Court order,” he said.
Some traders on Thursday said they had already shown samples of green crackers to authorities for verification. “We are ready with the stock, but the process could lead to delays, so we’ve sought support to ensure smooth sales and timely setup of stalls,” said Brijesh Goyal, a trader.
According to a circular issued by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Licensing Division), all district DCPs have been instructed to finalise decisions on temporary licences by Friday or Saturday, following inspection and verification of premises. The circular underscores that the sale and storage of green crackers will be allowed only at designated commercial sites, with a maximum stock limit of 600 kg per licensee.
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