Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: After five years, the Supreme Court is likely to allow the bursting of green crackers during Diwali, Gurupurab and Christmas. Although these eco-labelled crackers emit 20–30% less particulate matter than traditional ones, environmental experts warn that the health risks remain severe. They also raise concerns over enforcement, citing previous failures to regulate counterfeit green crackers.
What Makes Green Crackers Different
According to CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), green crackers are manufactured with smaller shells, reduced raw materials, elimination of ash, and special additives that act as dust suppressants. These measures result in lower emissions of particulate matter, nitrous oxide, and sulphur dioxide. Certified green crackers can be identified by the CSIR-NEERI green logo and encrypted QR codes on the packets.
However, a Delhi Technological University study (2022) found that green crackers still release high levels of ultra-fine particles, which are more dangerous than PM2.5 and PM10. Activist Bhavreen Kandhari warned that allowing green crackers again could “undo years of hard-fought gains” in Delhi’s air quality, citing rampant misuse of fake labels and banned chemicals after the 2018 Supreme Court order.
Health Experts: 30% Less Emission Is Not ‘Safe’
Kandhari pointed out that during Diwali, PM2.5 levels spike by 800–1,500% above WHO limits, making a 30% reduction “statistically meaningless.” She likened the green cracker argument to the low-tar cigarette debate, stressing that overall pollutant loads—including NOx, heavy metals, and ozone precursors—still make the air hazardous.
Dipankar Saha, former head of CPCB’s air lab, agreed enforcement is crucial, noting that crackers burst simultaneously cause severe dust and smoke accumulation, worsening health impacts. Sunil Dahiya, founder of EnviroCatalysts, criticised the lack of a health-focused narrative, saying the move “takes us 10 years back in the fight for clean air.” He urged controlling pollution at both episodic and perennial sources, including stubble burning, transport, power, and construction.
Government’s Window Plan And Enforcement Strategy
Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that the state government has requested a one-hour daytime and one-hour evening window for bursting green crackers on Diwali, along with a one-hour slot for Gurupurab. He assured the court that Delhi can supply green crackers quickly once permission is granted, emphasising both citizens’ right to celebrate and the need for regulation.
In a letter to the Union environment ministry, Delhi proposed deploying enforcement agencies including police, pollution control committees, and revenue officials to curb illegal cracker sales. A dedicated control room and citizen reporting via the Sameer and Green Delhi apps have also been proposed to strengthen monitoring.
