India, Oct. 17 -- The Gurugram district administration has allowed the sale and use of only NEERI-certified green crackers during Diwali, between October 18 and 20, under strict directions issued by the Supreme Court of India for the National Capital Region (NCR), said district commissioner Ajay Kumar on Thursday, adding that any violation of these directions would result in punitive action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and Explosives Act, 1884.

Announcing the guidelines, DC Kumar said that the use of green crackers will be permitted 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and the day before the festival.

"The sale and bursting of firecrackers have been strictly regulated ...