Green Crackers in Delhi: Less Harmful But Still Controversial for Public Health and Air Quality

Clean air advocates maintain that green crackers, while less harmful, are certainly not harmless to the environment.

New Delhi:

"Is less poison still not poison?" questions Bhavreen Kandhari, responding to the Supreme Court's recent decision allowing green crackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali. Having championed clean air initiatives for nearly 30 years, Kandhari expresses frustration with the ruling, arguing that it contradicts the fundamental "right to healthy environment" protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.

On October 15, the Supreme Court permitted the use of green crackers in Delhi between October 20 and 21. The bench, comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, explained their decision as an attempt to balance industry interests with public health concerns.

The court reasoned that completely prohibiting firecrackers leads to smuggling of conventional ones, which cause "more damaging effect than green crackers." They specified that firecracker use must be limited to 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on both days.

Green crackers, developed by CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), allegedly produce 30 percent less pollution compared to traditional firecrackers. They contain reduced quantities of chemicals like barium and aluminum, plus additives that suppress dust and smoke emissions. These eco-friendly alternatives reportedly generate less noise and burn for shorter durations with controlled flames.

The court outlined specific conditions: only certified manufacturers in Delhi-NCR with permits from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation may produce green crackers. No crackers from outside regions will be permitted in the NCR. Regular inspections will verify compliance, with QR codes of green crackers uploaded to a monitoring website. Manufacturers found producing counterfeit green crackers risk license suspension.

Citizens remain skeptical about implementation and enforcement. The Supreme Court initially banned firecrackers in Delhi-NCR in 2014-15 due to escalating air pollution, yet enforcement challenges and public non-compliance have persisted.

"The authenticity of green crackers is questionable," Kandhari notes. "QR codes and restricted timings sound reassuring on paper, but practical enforcement is doubtful. People had already begun igniting crackers before the court's decision. How can authorities ensure people follow the designated dates and times?"

She emphasizes that air pollution transcends environmental concerns: "This is fundamentally about public health. Claiming 30 percent less pollution is meaningless—it's still harmful. Would you willingly give your children less poison? I've fought for clean air since before my children were born, yet they still developed damaged lungs."

Divyam Sharma, a Delhi resident, observes that Diwali traditionally celebrates light, family gatherings, and exchanging sweets. "Associating it with firecrackers is a more recent development," he says.

"Allowing green crackers demonstrates the state's failure to control illegal firecracker sales and implement comprehensive bans. There's no conclusive evidence proving green crackers are safe. Our objective should be zero pollution."

Notably, the court's ruling came just after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented stage one restrictions under the graded response action plan (GRAP-1), triggered when the air quality index exceeded 200. GRAP-1 addresses dust control at construction sites, waste management, and emission reduction.

"Implementing GRAP acknowledges pollution exists, yet simultaneously permitting green crackers seems contradictory," Sharma adds. He personally stopped using firecrackers in 2017 after experiencing eye irritation and realizing his contribution to pollution. "While I can't influence everyone's behavior, I can control my family's actions. Change begins with individual choices."

Neha Jain, another Delhi resident, worries that allowing green crackers will compound existing air quality problems. "The air quality is already poor. My husband now requires an inhaler. I dread imagining post-Diwali conditions. As children, we never needed nebulizers or inhalers, but my kids have respiratory issues. I fear these devices will become as commonplace as fever medication."

However, some residents prioritize festive enjoyment. Anant Prakash, who hasn't used firecrackers for years, plans to purchase some for his four-year-old daughter this season. "While firecrackers contribute to pollution, depriving a child of celebratory sparkles seems excessive. Balance is essential," he explains, intending to use a limited number rather than staging an elaborate display.

Similarly, Bhavya Chand enjoys brief firework displays "for fun," restricting her celebration to 10-15 minutes of sky shots and sparklers. However, when shopping recently, she struggled to distinguish between green and conventional crackers. Upon being advised to check for QR codes, she scanned one to verify authenticity.

Though her purchase was certified as green, the fundamental truth remains: green crackers are less harmful, but certainly not harmless to our environment and health.