The orders note that firecrackers release metal particles, toxins and harmful chemicals and raise PM2.5 and PM10 levels, and that pollution in and around the NCR peaks between October and January.
Sirsa says district magistrates will soon designate sale zones and issue temporary licenses to retailers; Supreme Court permits use of eco-friendly variants between October 18 and 21.
The court observed that a complete ban on bursting of fire crackers in Delhi-NCR is "neither practical nor ideal" as such restrictions were often violated and balancing of equities is needed.
