The Supreme Court verdict on crackers, permitting sale of only 'green crackers', has been partially successful in at least reducing the noise pollution. Residents in the national capital say that loud booms, associated with the arrival of Diwali, are not being heard as frequently this year.

The Supreme Court, in a judgment on October 23, put several restrictions on the bursting of firecrackers even as it refused a nationwide ban on its manufacturing and sale. The apex court issued a series of directions on crackers, including a fixed time period when the fireworks are allowed. Only green crackers/fireworks that contain less quantity of harmful chemicals are allowed to be sold in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

"Diwali is only few days away and it is quiet compared to how loud sounds of crackers used to take over till a few years ago. The court ruling banning sale of traditional crackers has helped us live in peace," said Rajni Bakshi, a resident of Lodhi Colony.

"Earlier, the kids in my locality used to go berserk, bursting crackers from dawn to dusk. They do not have even small patakha pistols to have fun with. I really thank the court for bringing in such change," Geetanjali Sikka, a resident of Dwarka said.