Understanding Green Crackers: A Less Polluting Alternative for Diwali Celebrations in Delhi-NCR

Green crackers produce 30 percent less air pollution compared to conventional fireworks.

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court has approved the use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) from October 18 to 21. The court has mandated that green crackers may only be used between 6 am - 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm on the day before Diwali and on Diwali itself. But what exactly are green crackers and how do they improve upon traditional firecrackers?

Developed by CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), green firecrackers feature a smaller shell size, utilize fewer raw materials, and are manufactured without ash.

Furthermore, these environmentally-friendly alternatives incorporate additives that act as dust suppressants to reduce emissions, including particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

In green crackers, toxic metals found in conventional fireworks are substituted with compounds that are less hazardous to health and the environment.

How Are Green Crackers Different

According to research published by CSIR-NEERI, heavy metal-based compounds traditionally used in fireworks are the major source of pollution that causes environmental and health concerns.

Green crackers, however, control emissions by utilizing multifunctional additives such as zeolite and iron oxide while reducing the amount of chemicals used in their manufacturing process.

Are Green Crackers Pollution Free?

Both green crackers and traditional crackers generate pollution. The key distinction is that green crackers produce 30 percent less air pollution or particulate matter, as reported by CSIR-NEERI.

Particulate Matter or PM encompasses all particles present in the air. It is categorized into four groups based on size – PM10, PM2.5, PM1, and ultra-fine particulate matter. The smaller the particle size, the deeper it can penetrate into our body.

Types Of Green Crackers:

SWAS (Safe Water and Air Releaser): These emit very fine water droplets that absorb dust

SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): These contain a safe amount of aluminum and produce less noise

STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): These do not contain potassium nitrate or sulfur, resulting in minimal smoke emission

What Did The Supreme Court Say

The Supreme Court stated today that firecrackers smuggled into Delhi-NCR during Diwali cause more harm than green crackers, while permitting green crackers in the capital between October 18 and 21.

The top court described this as a "balanced approach," allowing moderate use of crackers while "not compromising with the environment."

The Supreme Court has prohibited the purchase and use of firecrackers from outside NCR in the capital. The court has also ordered that manufacturer's licenses be revoked if green crackers are found to be counterfeit.