Less pollution or just a green label? The truth about Delhi's green crackers

The Supreme Court has allowed certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR during specified hours on November 7 and 8. The limited relaxation highlights that lower-emission fireworks still add to the region's pollution burden.People light firecrackers as part of Diwali festival celebrations. (Photo: PTI)New Delhi,Nov 2, 2026 15:55 ISTThe Supreme Court has allowed the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for two days around Diwali, offering a limited relaxation of the restrictions on fireworks.But as people prepare to celebrate, an important question remains: are green crackers actually better for the environment, and can they make a meaningful difference to the pollution crisis staring Delhi-NCR?On Monday, a bench led by Justice MM Sundresh permitted the bursting of certified green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, between 6 am and 7 am and again from 8 pm to 10 pm.The court reiterated that crackers containing barium and those not approved by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) cannot be used. Manufacturers holding valid certification have been permitted to manufacture only green crackers. Firecrackers release PM2.5 and PM10, along with gases and metal-containing particles. (Photo: PTI) The relaxation is limited. A complete ban on firecrackers will come into effect from November 9.WHAT EXACTLY ARE GREEN CRACKERS?Green crackers are not fireworks that produce no pollution. They are specially formulated firecrackers designed to release fewer pollutants than conventional fireworks. Developed by CSIR-NEERI, they use modified chemical compositions, reduced quantities of certain raw materials and additives that improve combustion efficiency or help suppress particulate emissions.The changes can include reducing the size of the shell, eliminating ash-producing materials, minimising the use of conventional chemicals and introducing materials such as zeolites and iron oxide.According to CSIR-NEERI, green crackers must meet specific emission-reduction criteria. They should achieve at least 30 per cent lower particulate matter emissions compared with conventional crackers of the same category. Alternatively, they must reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 20 per cent along with a minimum 10 per cent reduction in gaseous emissions.The idea is to retain the visual and sound effects of fireworks while reducing the pollution they generate.DO GREEN CRACKERS REDUCE AIR POLLUTION?A 2023 study published in the journal Environmental Pollution, titled ‘Green firecrackers with reduced barium emissions in particulate matter,' examined specially formulated fireworks developed using additives such as iron oxide and zeolite.The researchers reported a reduction of 30-60 per cent in particulate matter and barium emissions in the tested products.Their analysis also found that the additives helped alter the composition and characteristics of the particles released during combustion.This is significant because conventional fireworks can release metals, including barium, alongside fine particulate matter. Barium compounds have traditionally been used in fireworks to produce green-coloured flames and can pose environmental and health concerns. Green crackers represent a reduction in emissions rather than an elimination of pollution. (Photo: PTI) However, the findings relate to the specific formulations tested. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every product sold as a green cracker will reduce all pollutants by the same amount.An expert familiar with the issue, on condition of anonymity, also cautioned that the overall benefit depends on the quantity of fireworks used. Even if individual crackers emit 20-30 per cent fewer pollutants, burning a much larger number could offset those gains.Lower emissions per cracker do not automatically translate into cleaner city-wide air."It is important to remember that the term ‘green’ does not mean completely safe or pollution-free. Green crackers can still release fine particulate matter and smoke, which may irritate the respiratory system and trigger coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing difficulties," said Dr. Raj Kumar, Sr. Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital.Their emissions also add to the existing air pollution. "People with asthma, COPD, allergies and other respiratory conditions may experience worsening symptoms. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of polluted air," Dr. Kumar added.HOW CAN CONSUMERS IDENTIFY GENUINE GREEN CRACKERS?Green crackers are supposed to carry the CSIR-NEERI logo and a product-specific QR code. Scanning the code should allow consumers and enforcement agencies to verify the product's authenticity and certification details.CSIR-NEERI also maintains a list of registered manufacturers. Its official website says that only certificates and test reports issued through its authorised system are valid.But identification and enforcement remain challenges.A 2024 study titled 'A Study on Awareness Among Consumers Concerning Green Crackers in Sivakasi,' by K Jeyaram and G Karunanithi, surveyed 150 consumers using convenience sampling. It found that respondents had some awareness of the chemical composition and availability of green crackers, but knowledge of manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers was comparatively weaker.The researchers highlighted the need for greater consumer awareness and information about these products.DO GREEN CRACKERS MAKE DELHI'S AIR CLEANER?Not necessarily. Firecrackers release PM2.5 and PM10, along with gases and metal-containing particles. PM2.5, particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less, is particularly concerning because it can penetrate deep into the lungs.Even green crackers contribute to this pollution load, although their emissions may be lower. The impact can be especially significant in Delhi during Diwali, when stubble burning, vehicular emissions and unfavourable weather conditions already contribute to poor air quality.Weak winds and atmospheric conditions that restrict the dispersal of pollutants can allow the pollution spike from fireworks to linger.Green crackers, therefore, represent a reduction in emissions rather than an elimination of pollution. Their effectiveness will ultimately depend on the quality of the products, how many are burst, whether conventional crackers are kept out of the market and how strictly certification rules are enforced.The word green may suggest an environmentally harmless product. But when it comes to fireworks, it means relatively less polluting, not pollution-free.- Ends