Lit or dim? Delhi firework traders wait for SC spark

After years of ban, markets in national capital hold their breath for a green light

- ANUSHKA BHARDWA] & SHINE JACOB

On October 10, the Supreme Court (SC) reserved its verdict on whether the absolute ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) should be lifted for five days — October 18 to 22 — to allow the use of eco-friendly pyrotechnics, igniting hope among Delhi-NCR and Sivakasi dealers. The court observed that a complete ban in Delhi-NCR is “neither practical nor ideal”, as such restrictions are often violated.

Fingers crossed in Delhi

After years of a complete ban on sales, traders in Delhi-NCR are cautious. Hopes are high, but shops remain shuttered. “Until there is a written order from the court, we cannot procure any material,” says a dealer in Delhi’s Paiwalan Bazar.

Once a hub for Diwali pyrotechnics, Delhi’s Daryaganj market now has most shop names hidden under sheets or converted into storage for other goods. “For many years now, we shut the shops and sell green crackers on carts during Diwali. We only sell sound pyrotechnics or the ones used by kids,” says Rashid Khan, another seller.

‘Used by kids’ is the local shorthand for small, low-emission sparklers. A few shopkeepers hinted that ‘bigger’ bursts might appear as Diwali approaches.

“If some still reach the city through illegal channels, why can’t licensed traders get a few days to operate legally?” asks another trader. “But we remain hopeful this time,” he adds.