This Diwali, the debate on firecrackers and air pollution in Delhi has reached a new milestone. After years of restrictions, the Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on allowing the sale and use of green crackers in the Delhi-NCR region, potentially relaxing the five-year-long absolute ban on traditional firecrackers.
Green crackers, developed to reduce emissions by up to 30%, are positioned as eco-friendlier alternatives. But with Delhi’s air quality already precarious in winter, what does this verdict really mean for public health, tradition, and the environment?
The Background: Diwali Firecracker Bans and Environmental Concerns
Since 2015, the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) have been actively regulating firecrackers to curb the Delhi-NCR region’s notoriously high air pollution during the festive season.
| Year | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Petition filed for protection from pollution caused by crackers |
| 2018 | Supreme Court allows only low-emission “green crackers” |
| 2020 | NGT imposes absolute ban on all firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali |
| 2024 | Supreme Court issues year-long ban on firecrackers including green crackers |
| 2025 | Supreme Court hears petitions to allow green crackers under regulated conditions, verdict reserved |
These measures aimed to combat the spike in pollution caused by firecracker emissions, which add harmful particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide to already toxic air.
What Are Green Crackers?
Green crackers are an innovation by CSIR and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) designed to reduce harmful emissions significantly compared to conventional firecrackers. Using reformulated chemical compositions and techniques such as reducing shell sizes and suppressing dust, these crackers emit roughly 20-30% less particulate matter and roughly 10% fewer gaseous pollutants.
Despite these reductions, experts warn that widespread use of green crackers could still worsen the air quality, especially when combined with other pollution sources like crop stubble burning and vehicular emissions Business Standard.
Recent Developments on the Supreme Court Verdict
- The Supreme Court reserved its verdict in October 2025 on allowing green crackers in Delhi-NCR following appeals by the Centre and state governments.
- Certified manufacturers were permitted to produce green crackers, but sales in Delhi-NCR were restricted until further orders.
- The Delhi government has requested the court to permit green crackers during Diwali to balance cultural sentiments with environmental concerns.
- The proposed sale and use window could be limited to specific hours (e.g., 8 pm to 10 pm) during Diwali, Gurpurab, and Christmas.
- While reducing pollution by 30-35%, experts emphasize that even green crackers can aggravate Delhi’s already hazardous air pollution levels News9 Live.
The Impact on Delhi’s Air Quality This Diwali
Delhi’s air quality is at critical risk every winter, with the pollutant levels surging due to low wind speeds, temperature inversion traps, industrial activity, vehicle emissions, and seasonal crop stubble burning in neighboring states.
Green crackers could help reduce some pollution but won’t eliminate the risk of severe air quality deterioration during Diwali, which routinely pushes the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “severe” or “hazardous” categories.
| Factor | Impact on Air Quality |
|---|---|
| Traditional Firecrackers | Spike pollution by adding PM2.5, SO2, NO2 |
| Green Crackers | Reduce emissions by 20-30%, but still add pollutants |
| Crop Stubble Burning | Major contributor to winter smog and poor AQI |
| Vehicular Emissions | Continuous year-round air pollution source |
| Weather Conditions | Temperature inversion traps pollutants near the surface |
Experts urge caution and stricter enforcement to ensure that green crackers do not lead to loopholes for more polluting conventional crackers Indian Express.
How to Celebrate a Healthier Diwali?
For residents of Delhi and beyond, striking a balance between traditional celebrations and health considerations is key. Some practical tips include:
- Opting for crackers that are NEERI-certified green crackers only.
- Limiting firecracker bursting to designated time slots.
- Using community events or collective displays rather than individual bursting.
- Encouraging festivities with lights, music, and eco-friendly decor.
- Advocating for stricter policy enforcement and awareness drives.
FAQs
What are green crackers, and how do they differ from traditional firecrackers?
Green crackers are specially designed fireworks that emit 20-30% less particulate matter and lower gaseous pollutants than traditional firecrackers by using eco-friendly chemical formulations and materials. Developed by CSIR and NEERI, they aim to reduce Diwali’s pollution impact but do not fully eliminate.
Will the Supreme Court allow green crackers this Diwali in Delhi-NCR?
As of October 2025, the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict and hinted at allowing green crackers under strict regulations, including time limits and quality certification. The court is balancing environmental concerns with cultural sentiments, meaning green crackers could be permitted on a trial basis this festive season with safeguards in place.
