Context:
The Supreme Court of India has recently modified its long‑standing prohibition on firecrackers in the Delhi‑NCR region by permitting limited sale and use of green crackers during Diwali 2025 under stringent conditions.
Background:
-
- In earlier years, there was a blanket ban on sale, manufacture, and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi‑NCR to curb pollution, backed by multiple Supreme Court and NGT orders.
- The concept of green firecrackers—low‑emission variants developed and certified by CSIR‑NEERI—has been floated as a compromise to allow fireworks while mitigating environmental damage.
- Prior orders allowed manufacturing of green crackers (for certified manufacturers) but barred their sale in Delhi‑NCR.
- In earlier years, there was a blanket ban on sale, manufacture, and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi‑NCR to curb pollution, backed by multiple Supreme Court and NGT orders.
About Supreme Court’s Latest Order:
The Supreme Court has now relaxed the ban with a carefully calibrated framework:
|
Feature |
Key Provision |
|
Timeline for sale & use |
Sale permitted October 18–20, 2025; use on the day before Diwali + Diwali day. |
|
Type of crackers allowed |
Only green crackers certified by NEERI and PESO. No Barium‑based or uncertified crackers. |
|
Sales & distribution |
Sale only through licensed traders at designated locations. E‑commerce sale banned. |
About Green crackers:
Green crackers are a scientifically developed alternative to conventional firecrackers, designed to reduce air and noise pollution during festive celebrations. Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through its laboratories like NEERI, they aim to limit the release of harmful chemicals and particulate matter.
Key Characteristics of Green Crackers:
|
Characteristics |
Green Crackers |
Traditional Crackers |
|
Pollution Level |
~30% reduction in emissions |
High levels of PM2.5, PM10, and toxic gases |
|
Chemical Composition |
No/low barium nitrate, reduced aluminium |
Contains barium, aluminium, potassium etc. |
|
Noise Level |
Within permissible limits (≤ 110 dB) |
Often exceed safe decibel levels |
|
Emission Suppressants |
Use water vapor to suppress dust |
None |
|
Certification |
QR-coded for authenticity by CSIR/NEERI |
No certification or emission standards |
Types of Green Crackers
|
Acronym |
Full Form |
Key Characteristics |
|
SWAS |
Safe Water Releaser |
Releases water vapor to suppress dust, no KNO₃ |
|
SAFAL |
Safe Minimal Aluminium |
Reduced use of aluminium, safe oxidizers used |
|
STAR |
Safe Thermite Cracker |
Uses thermite composition, minimal pollutants |
