Green crackers are designed to emit 30-40 per cent less pollutants. They also adhere to the permissible sound limit of 125 decibels.
Will Delhi-NCR breathe better air after Diwali this year? The Supreme Court has allowed temporary sale of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR would be allowed only from October 18 to 21.
"The use of firecrackers shall be confined from 6 pm to 10 pm. There shall be no supply of firecrackers from e-commerce websites," the court said, adding that any person violating these rules will be served notice and punished accordingly. The court had earlier said that a complete ban on bursting of fire crackers in Delhi-NCR is "neither practical nor ideal" as such restrictions were often violated, and balancing of equities is needed.
What Are Green Firecrackers And When Did They Come To India?
Green firecrackers are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. They are developed to reduce air and noise pollution during celebrations such as Diwali. They were created by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) in India in 2018 and officially launched in 2019 following Supreme Court directives to curb pollution caused by conventional firecrackers.
Unlike traditional fireworks, which release large amounts of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and heavy metals, green crackers are designed to emit 30-40 per cent less pollutants. They also adhere to the permissible sound limit of 125 decibels. These fireworks are manufactured using alternative, cleaner raw materials and optimised chemical formulations that minimise harmful emissions without compromising visual appeal.
What are green firecrackers made of?
The main compositions of green firecrackers include reduced quantities of potassium nitrate, sulphur, and aluminium, and sometimes bio-based additives that suppress dust and smoke. CSIR-NEERI developed three key categories: SWAS (Safe Water Releaser), which emits water vapour to reduce dust; STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker), which avoids potassium nitrate and sulphur; and SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium), which limits the use of metal powders that create dense smoke.
How Are Green Firecrackers Better For The Environment?
Reduced Harmful Chemicals: Traditional firecrackers use potassium nitrate, sulphur, and aluminium in large quantities, which release sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) when ignited. Green crackers replace or minimise these chemicals with eco-friendly oxidizers and non-toxic binders, resulting in 30-40 per cent lower emissions.
Water-Releasing Formulations: Some types, like SWAS (Safe Water Releaser), emit water vapour and suppress dust when they burst. This moisture helps trap airborne pollutants and prevents them from spreading, reducing local air pollution levels.
No Use of Banned or Heavy Metals: Green firecrackers eliminate or drastically reduce barium, lead, and chromium, which are major contributors to toxic air and soil contamination. The absence of these metals means less toxic residue and health risks
Controlled Noise Levels: They are engineered to keep noise levels below 125 decibels, minimising noise pollution and its harmful effects on humans, animals, and birds.
Better Combustion Efficiency: Optimised formulations ensure complete combustion, so fewer unburnt particles and gases are released into the atmosphere.
How to Identify Genuine Green Crackers
* Green firecrackers must carry the CSIR-NEERI logo and a QR code on the box.
* Scanning the QR code shows the manufacturer and confirms authenticity.
* Only licensed manufacturers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) can produce them.
These innovations mark a step toward sustainable celebration by significantly lowering emissions and maintaining the festive spirit. Green firecrackers, thus, represent a balance between tradition, innovation, and environmental responsibility.