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The Supreme Court of India permitted the sale and use of only “green” firecrackers in the Delhi–National Capital Region for Diwali 2025. Sales were allowed from 18 October (Dhanteras) to 20 October (Diwali), and bursting of crackers was restricted to designated evening hours. Conventional, high‑polluting fireworks remain banned.
Background
Delhi frequently experiences hazardous air quality during winter due to a combination of crop‑residue burning, vehicle emissions and festival fireworks. In response to petitions on public health, the Supreme Court banned conventional firecrackers in 2017 and directed the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to develop less‑polluting alternatives.
- Green crackers: Scientists at CSIR‑NEERI and CSIR‑CEERI devised formulations that cut particulate‑matter emissions by at least 30 per cent and reduce gases like sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) by around 10 per cent. They also eliminate barium compounds and limit aluminium and sulphur content.
- Categories: There are two broad types. Improved traditional crackers modify existing compositions to reduce emissions, while new‑formulation crackers replace harmful ingredients altogether.
- Variants: The main products include SWAS (Safe Water‑Releasable Sounding), STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker) and SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium). These deliver comparable brightness and sound to conventional fireworks but with lower pollution.
- Identification: Genuine green crackers carry the CSIR‑NEERI green fireworks logo and a unique QR code that consumers can scan to verify authenticity. Enforcement teams have been deployed to prevent sale of banned fireworks.
Environmental significance
While green crackers still produce smoke and noise, their reduced emissions make them a compromise between tradition and public health. Authorities emphasise that controlling other pollution sources and encouraging community celebrations with lights and lamps remain important to improve air quality.
Source: IE