"Under CM's leadership, Delhi moves promptly to ensure responsible celebrations": Manjinder Singh Sirsa

New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): Following the Supreme Court's interim order allowing the restricted sale and use of green crackers in Delhi, the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has moved swiftly to ensure responsible celebrations during Diwali.
"This decision brings relief to Delhi residents who wished to celebrate Diwali the traditional way. Our government respects people's religious and cultural sentiments, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure they can celebrate responsibly without harming the environment," said Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
Acting immediately after the court's directive, Sirsa convened back-to-back meetings with enforcement authorities and PESO-certified retailers to operationalise the Supreme Court's directions.
According to an official release, the high-level coordination meetings were attended by Divisional Commissioner Neeraj Semwal, Special Commissioner Ravindra Yadav, DPCC Chairman Sandeep Kumar, and senior officers from PESO, NEERI, MCD, NDMC, and Delhi Police.
Retailers were clearly instructed to sell only NEERI-approved green crackers, bearing QR codes, which were available from October 18 to 20, 2025 (three days), at designated sites identified by District Magistrates and Police Commissioners.
The minister added, "This Diwali, Retailers are also our partners in spreading awareness. They must inform buyers that only green crackers are allowed, and explain why the Hon'ble Supreme Court has wisely restricted their use to two hours in the evening and one hour in the morning for two days only. This relaxation is temporary, and if Delhi shows discipline and compliance, it can become permanent. Protecting our environment and traditions together is everyone's collective responsibility."
As directed by the Supreme Court, usage will be allowed only between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on 19 and 20 October (two days, i.e., Sunday and Monday).
Delhi Police has been directed to process temporary sale license applications within two days, ensuring timely readiness. After Diwali, retailers will get two days to return or safely dispose of unsold stock, ensuring that restrictions are reinstated immediately.
Reinforcing the message of responsible celebration, the Minister said, "This is a moment of shared accountability. Delhi's people wanted permission -- now we must show discipline. Together, let's celebrate Diwali joyfully, but responsibly, by following the Hon'ble Court's guidelines."
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had earlier appealed to the Supreme Court to permit the sale of certified green crackers during Diwali, stressing the need to balance cultural traditions with environmental sustainability.
The Delhi Government will continue to monitor AQI levels from October 14 to 25 through the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and submit daily reports to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Court, in line with the judicial directive.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Sirsa said, "We held a meeting where concerned departments met with stakeholders, including all crackers associations, shopkeepers with temporary and permanent license holders...We explained to them the Supreme Court orders, which allow them to sell crackers on October 18, 19, and 20. Green crackers will have a company-generated QR code on them. Bursting firecrackers are allowed on October 19 and 20... All the information has been shared with stakeholders...We also urge citizens to follow the Supreme Court's guidelines." (ANI)