NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, subject to time restrictions: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm on the day before Diwali and on the festival day itself. The court had first imposed a ban on firecrackers in the region in 2014-15 due to rising pollution levels.But are the green crackers completely safe? Designed to reduce emissions by about 30%, green crackers are a cleaner alternative to traditional firecrackers, created in India to tackle air and noise pollution during festivals like Diwali.While these specially formulated fireworks are considered environmentally friendlier, experts caution that they are not entirely harmless.Green crackers were first introduced in 2018 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR–NEERI), in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and other scientific bodies. The crackers were developed in response to dangerously high pollution levels in cities such as Delhi, especially during the winter months, news agency PTI reported Dipankar Saha, former additional director and head of air laboratories at CPCB Delhi as saying. Unlike conventional firecrackers, green crackers use less toxic raw materials and avoid harmful chemicals like barium nitrate and aluminium, which contribute heavily to air pollution and can trigger respiratory problems and other health issues. During ignition, these crackers release water vapour or dust suppressants, which help reduce particulate matter in the air. Laboratory tests show that these modifications cut emissions by up to 30%.In addition to lower air pollution, green crackers produce less noise, making them a safer option for children, the elderly, animals, and people with health sensitivities. Reduced decibel levels also help address noise pollution, a major concern during festival seasons.Green crackers are officially approved by the CPCB, and only variants certified by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) are legally permitted for sale and use. Authentic products carry the CPCB logo on their packaging. Popular approved types include SWAS (Safe Water Releaser), STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker), and SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium Cracker), designed to balance cultural celebrations with environmental responsibility.However, environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari warned that while green crackers are a better choice, they are “less harmful, not safe.” She stressed that the release of ultrafine particles and toxic gases still occurs, and limiting the overall use of firecrackers remains the most effective way to reduce festival pollution.Meanwhile, air pollution curbs (GRAP) stage 1 were imposed a day before as air quality detoriated.
