The Supreme Court has granted permission for the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for two days surrounding Diwali, marking a temporary easing of the restrictions on fireworks. This decision comes as residents prepare for the festival, raising questions about the environmental impact of these green alternatives and their effectiveness in addressing the pollution crisis in the region.

On November 7 and 8, residents will be allowed to burst certified green firecrackers between 6 am and 7 am, and again from 8 pm to 10 pm. The court has reiterated that any firecrackers containing barium or those not certified by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) are prohibited. Only manufacturers with valid certifications are permitted to produce green crackers.

Despite this limited relaxation, a complete ban on all firecrackers will be enforced starting November 9. The ongoing concern regarding air quality in Delhi-NCR necessitates scrutiny of the actual benefits of these green alternatives.

Understanding Green Crackers

Green crackers are specifically designed firecrackers that aim to produce fewer pollutants compared to traditional fireworks. Developed by CSIR-NEERI, they incorporate modified chemical compositions and reduced quantities of certain raw materials to enhance combustion efficiency and minimise particulate emissions.

These innovations include smaller shell sizes, the elimination of ash-producing materials, and the incorporation of additives like zeolites and iron oxide. According to CSIR-NEERI, green crackers must meet stringent emission-reduction criteria, achieving at least a 30 per cent reduction in particulate matter emissions compared to conventional crackers. Alternatively, they must demonstrate a 20 per cent reduction in particulate matter alongside a minimum 10 per cent reduction in gaseous emissions.

The goal is to maintain the visual and auditory effects of fireworks while significantly lowering their environmental impact. However, it is important to note that green crackers do not eliminate pollution; they merely reduce it.

Impact of Green Crackers on Air Quality

A study published in 2023 in the journal Environmental Pollution examined the effectiveness of green firecrackers formulated with additives such as iron oxide and zeolite. The research indicated a reduction of 30-60 per cent in particulate matter and barium emissions from the tested products. This is particularly relevant given that conventional fireworks often release harmful metals, including barium, which contribute to environmental and health issues.

However, the findings pertain specifically to the formulations tested and cannot be generalised to all products marketed as green crackers. An expert, who chose to remain anonymous, noted that the overall benefits depend on the quantity of fireworks used; thus, the cumulative emissions could negate individual reductions if a large number of crackers are ignited.

Furthermore, while green crackers may emit fewer pollutants, they still contribute to the overall pollution load in Delhi, especially during Diwali when other factors such as stubble burning and vehicular emissions exacerbate air quality issues.

Identifying Genuine Green Crackers

Consumers can identify authentic green crackers by looking for the CSIR-NEERI logo and a product-specific QR code. Scanning this code allows verification of the product’s authenticity and certification details. CSIR-NEERI also maintains a list of registered manufacturers, ensuring that only certified products are available in the market.

Despite these measures, challenges remain in ensuring proper identification and enforcement. A 2024 study conducted in Sivakasi highlighted that while some consumers are aware of the chemical composition of green crackers, knowledge regarding manufacturers and retailers is comparatively limited. This underscores the need for enhanced consumer awareness and information dissemination.

In conclusion, while green crackers are positioned as a less polluting alternative, their actual impact on air quality in Delhi remains uncertain. The effectiveness of these products will depend on adherence to certification standards and the overall quantity used during celebrations.

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