The Supreme Court has eased the earlier blanket ban on firecrackers, permitting the limited sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR this Diwali. The decision aims to curb the illegal smuggling of traditional firecrackers while promoting less polluting alternatives.
About Green Crackers
Green firecrackers are low-emission, eco-friendly fireworks designed to reduce both air and noise pollution compared to conventional firecrackers. They were developed by the CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to address pollution spikes during festive seasons.
- Legal Basis:
The use of green crackers follows the 2018 SC ruling in Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, which banned traditional firecrackers and permitted only certified green versions. - Types of Green Crackers:
- SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): Emits water vapour to suppress dust and dilute harmful gases (~30% reduction).
- STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Made without potassium nitrate or sulphur, reducing emissions and noise.
- SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Replaces aluminium with magnesium, cutting particulate matter by ~35%.
- Benefits:
- Lower particulate and gaseous emissions
- Noise levels below 125 dB
- Reduced contribution to smog episodes
- Concerns:
- Still emit ultra-fine particulate matter
- Risk of counterfeit products in the market
- Limited public awareness and enforcement challenges
About NEERI
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) is a premier environmental research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology.
- Founded: 1958 (as CPHERI)
- Renamed: 1974 as NEERI
- Headquarters: Nagpur
- Zonal Labs: Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai
- Mandate: R&D in environmental management, pollution control, and sustainable development.
NEERI’s innovations, including green cracker technology, align with India’s broader goals of sustainable celebrations and pollution mitigation.
Judicial Context
The Supreme Court’s recent order does not lift the ban entirely but allows the controlled use of certified green crackers. The Court has also directed state agencies to ensure strict enforcement and curb sale of counterfeit versions.
This move seeks to balance environmental protection with cultural practices, especially during festivals like Diwali, when Delhi-NCR faces severe air quality deterioration.
Way Forward
- Enhanced public awareness campaigns
- Strict enforcement against counterfeit products
- Strengthening certification and supply chains
- Promoting alternative celebration methods