With Diwali around the corner, Delhi authorities are enforcing strict guidelines for the sale of NEERI- and PESO-certified green firecrackers. Licensees will have stock limits, QR-coded packets, and stringent monitoring to ensure public safety and compliance with Supreme Court rules.
The Delhi government and police have announced that only NEERI- and PESO-certified green firecrackers will be sold this Diwali, as per Supreme Court guidelines. Temporary retail licences will be issued by district deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) to around 140 certified shops for October 18-19. Each shop will be allowed a maximum stock of 600 kilograms of crackers, and every packet will carry a QR code to ensure traceability and authenticity.
The circular issued by Delhi Police specifies that only adults above 18 years, with no criminal record under the Explosives Act or related public safety laws, will be eligible for licences. Online sales, doorstep delivery, and e-commerce distribution of firecrackers are strictly prohibited, and import into the National Capital Region is banned for the festival period.
A three-tier vigilance mechanism will monitor compliance across the city. Police teams from each station will keep watch on local markets and neighbourhoods, while district-level teams led by DCPs will supervise enforcement. Additionally, a central vigilance team will coordinate the overall implementation of rules.
Sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), tehsildars, and officers from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will support the operation.
Banned firecrackers are still doing major rounds across Delhi
Over 9,000 kilograms of banned firecrackers have already been seized in prior raids. Violations of licence conditions or possession of non-certified firecrackers can invite action under the Explosives Act, 1884, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Authorities urge citizens to purchase only certified green crackers from licensed shops and follow prescribed timings on October 19-20 to ensure a safe and eco-friendly Diwali.