As Delhi-NCR approaches Diwali amid intensifying air pollution concerns, the Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing certified manufacturers to produce green crackers has reignited intense debate. While the sale and storage of firecrackers—including green variants—remain banned, the approval for local manufacturing has drawn mixed reactions from industry representatives, environmental scientists, activists, and public health experts.
Manufacturing vs. Sale: A Complex Regulatory Landscape
More than 50 manufacturers across Delhi-NCR have begun producing green crackers under the court’s conditional clearance. Fireworks industry leaders, who have battled sweeping bans for years, view this as critical for reviving livelihoods that have suffered immense losses. Rajiv Kumar Jain, president of the Fireworks Manufacturers Association (North India), expressed gratitude towards the judiciary’s sympathetic stance, emphasizing the impact on workers and their families.
However, the sharp distinction between permitting production but prohibiting sale raises enforcement complexities. Activists point out that such a framework risks blurring regulatory boundaries, making it difficult to prevent the infiltration of green crackers into local markets—thereby undercutting air quality goals during the highly sensitive winter festival season.
Environmental Impact: Promises and Emerging Concerns
Green crackers were developed to mitigate the environmental downsides of traditional fireworks. According to the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), these crackers utilize smaller shells, minimize raw material composition, and include dust suppressant additives. This combination leads to measurable reductions in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and harmful gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Yet, the positive narrative faces critical scrutiny. Research by Delhi Technological University reveals that despite decreases in larger pollutants, green crackers significantly amplify ultrafine particle (UFP) emissions. These UFPs, roughly 20 to 30 times smaller than PM2.5 particles, pose greater health risks as they can deeply penetrate lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
This paradox highlights a fundamental challenge: while green crackers lower some pollutant levels, they may simultaneously introduce more dangerous health hazards, complicating the balance between cultural celebration and public safety.
Enforcement Challenges Ahead of Diwali
Successful enforcement of firecracker bans has historically been problematic in Delhi. Environmental activists such as Bhavreen Kandhari raise important questions regarding oversight: how can authorities ensure that green crackers are genuinely compliant with NEERI and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) standards? The consensus among experts is that allowing in-region production weakens the effectiveness of sales bans since supply chains become difficult to monitor.
Sunil Dahiya, founder of the environmental think tank EnviroCatalysts, points to the reality on the ground: despite bans, illegal bursting of firecrackers surges during festive seasons. The addition of local production facilities is likely to increase availability, making it even more challenging for law enforcement to curb usage and minimize pollution spikes.
Seasonal Risks Compounding Air Quality Crisis
The timing of this policy shift is critical. Delhi experiences some of its worst air pollution levels between October and December due to a combination of weather conditions, agricultural stubble burning in neighboring states, elevated vehicular emissions, and increased firecracker use. The region’s fragile air quality baseline means any relaxation or loophole risks a rapid rise in hazardous emissions, with serious health consequences for millions.
Given these converging factors, public health experts insist on stringent compliance, proactive monitoring, and community awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks associated with green cracker production and use.
Conclusion
Delhi-NCR’s green cracker debate underscores the complexity of balancing economic, cultural, and environmental priorities. While the Supreme Court’s nod to manufacturing offers relief to a struggling industry, the persistent ban on sales and the emerging scientific evidence about ultrafine particle dangers call for cautious, transparent, and firmly enforced policies.
Stakeholders—from government regulators to civil society—must collaborate more closely to monitor production quality, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and educate the public. Only then can Delhi aspire to enjoy its cultural festivities without compromising the health and well-being of its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR
What are green crackers?
Green crackers are fireworks designed to reduce harmful emissions by using environmentally friendly materials. They produce less particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), lower sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, and emit less noise compared to conventional firecrackers.
Is manufacturing of green crackers allowed in Delhi-NCR?
Yes, the Supreme Court has permitted certified manufacturers to produce green crackers in Delhi-NCR, provided they adhere to strict environmental and safety standards set by NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation).
Can green crackers be sold or stored in Delhi-NCR?
No. Despite the permission to manufacture, the Supreme Court has currently banned the sale and storage of green crackers within Delhi-NCR to minimize pollution during festivals like Diwali.
Are green crackers completely safe for the environment and health?
While green crackers reduce some pollutants, studies indicate they emit high concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFPs) that are more dangerous to human health as they penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Hence, their safety benefits are considered only marginal by some experts.
Why is there concern over enforcement of the firecracker ban?
Experts and activists warn that production without sale restrictions could lead to green crackers leaking into markets illegally. Historically, enforcement of firecracker bans during Diwali has been lax, and local production could make it harder to control illegal bursting.
What are the key challenges ahead as Diwali approaches?
Delhi faces a seasonal spike in pollution from stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and firecracker bursting. The current manufacturing allowance risks increasing the supply of firecrackers. Thus, effective monitoring, strict enforcement, and public awareness are critical to protecting air quality and public health.