Delhi sets up teams for ground check to curb illegal cracker sales

New Delhi: Following the Supreme Court order, Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said only certified dealers will be allowed to sell green crackers from Oct 18 to 20 at designated sites.Delhi govt has constituted teams comprising police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, MCD, and revenue department personnel to ensure action against illegal sellers, he said. Delhi has only one CSIR-NEERI registered manufacturer of green crackers while there are 140 certified dealers, he pointed out.“We held a meeting with 140 certified dealers to sell only NEERI-approved green crackers bearing QR codes.

If more dealers apply for licences, we may give temporary licences to additional vendors,” said Sirsa, who chaired meetings with dealers and enforcement agencies, including PESO, NEERI, MCD, NDMC, and Delhi Police.Delhi Police has been directed to process temporary sale licence 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.

Asked about the city markets being flooded with all kinds of firecrackers, Sirsa said the enforcement teams will act against those selling illegally. “Since crackers were banned till now, people were sneaking them in. As green crackers have been allowed now, we will have an organised system,” he said.The Delhi govt will continue monitoring AQI levels from Oct 14 to 25 through DPCC and submit daily reports to CPCB and the Supreme Court in line with the court’s directives.“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. 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,” said Sirsa.