The court’s decision has sparked relief among traders and residents, many of whom see it as the first major relaxation in years. (Image: Ref.)
New Delhi: With pollution levels in the national capital already on the rise, the debate over the use of firecrackers during Diwali has ignited once again. After several years of an extensive ban, the Supreme Court has lifted restrictions on the bursting of firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR)—but only for green crackers. The relaxation, however, comes with stringent conditions and is allowed strictly on a “test case basis,” subject to close enforcement and environmental monitoring.
The court’s decision has sparked relief among traders and residents, many of whom see it as the first major relaxation in years. For this Diwali, green crackers can be used only between 6 am and 7 am, and 8 pm and 10 pm—both on the eve of Diwali and on the day of the festival. To ensure proper regulation, the court instructed the Delhi Police to process temporary sales licences within two days, allowing around 140 PESO-certified retailers to sell approved crackers. After the festival, unsold stock must be returned or disposed of within two days, and restrictions will be reimposed.
However, this partial relaxation has also reignited concerns about misuse and fake “green” firecrackers. Many consumers remain unaware of the difference between traditional and eco-friendly versions, leading to rampant mislabelling. Traders also fear logistical bottlenecks and limited supplies, which may open the door for illegal or counterfeit stock. With the short sales window, many worry the “green Diwali” experiment may backfire, worsening enforcement challenges rather than easing them.
Green crackers, developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) after the 2018 Supreme Court ban, are said to release 30-40% less particulate matter and sulphur dioxide, with noise levels capped at 120 decibels. Only crackers with a NEERI-issued QR code are permitted for sale. Unlike conventional firecrackers, which contain barium, sulphur, potassium nitrate, and aluminium—known to release toxic gases and heavy metals—green crackers exclude barium and use cleaner oxidisers with reduced aluminium and sulphur content. Still, officials remain doubtful about effective enforcement. Fake QR codes and misleading packaging continue to flood the markets, making it difficult for authorities to tell genuine products from banned ones. “QR codes and stickers didn’t help much; it’s extremely difficult for police to identify real green crackers,” admitted an enforcement official.
Delhi’s long-standing issue, however, is in implementation. Despite repeated bans since 2020, firecrackers have continued to be sold and used, especially in local markets across the city. The Delhi Police said that multiple agencies, including the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), will patrol and monitor compliance to ensure only certified green crackers with valid QR codes are used during permitted hours.
Environmentalists, however, remain unconvinced. One expert told The Sunday Guardian, “Even green crackers should be regulated strictly, and ideally avoided altogether.” He warned that emissions, though reduced, could still worsen Delhi’s toxic air and harm people with respiratory conditions. “Those with asthma, bronchitis, and heart ailments may experience aggravated symptoms after Diwali,” he added.
Echoing these concerns, Prof (Dr) G.C. Khilnani, chairman of the PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, said that green crackers still pose significant health hazards, causing only about 30% less pollution than traditional ones. According to him, exposure to their emissions can lead to breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, bronchitis, and reduced lung function, along with a surge in hospital admissions and deaths during the festive period. Long-term impacts may include chronic lung disease, fibrosis, and even cancer.
Dr Khilnani stressed that while the smaller shell size and cleaner materials make green crackers slightly safer, they remain far from harmless. “One firecracker emits 40 to 400 times more harmful gases than a cigarette, yet there are no health warnings or age restrictions,” he pointed out. The fine particles (PM2.5 and smaller) released can enter the bloodstream, damaging the lungs, heart, and brain, while toxic gases like sulphur oxides, carbon monoxide, and suspended particulates further worsen health outcomes.
As Delhi prepares for Diwali, the city stands at a crossroads between celebration and caution. The Supreme Court’s decision has rekindled festive spirit, but whether this “green” approach can truly reduce pollution—or merely shift the problem—will depend on strict enforcement and public awareness in the days to come.
