Smog Stories: Can Green Firecrackers Really Make Delhi’s Diwali Less Polluted?

Smog Stories: With Diwali around the corner, firecrackers are again at the heart of a legal debate in national capital Delhi. This year, the buzz is around green firecrackers as various stakeholders approach the courts seeking permission for what is being projected as an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional firecrackers.

While the Delhi government plans to approach the Supreme Court, the firecracker manufacturers have already moved the apex court seeking permission for sale in the national capital. The court, which will hear the matter again on October 10, has asked the Centre to take a fresh look at the absolute ban on firecrackers. It directed the Environment Ministry to consult all stakeholders, including the Delhi government, sellers, and manufacturers, before making a final decision.

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Delhi Achieves Best Air Quality Levels Since 2018

This year, Delhi recorded its best average Air Quality Index (AQI) between 2018 and 2025, except for the 2020 lockdown during Covid-19 pandemic. There has not been a single day with an average AQI above 400, and the city saw the highest number of ‘Satisfactory’ air quality days during the January to September period of 2025.

With Delhi recording its best average AQI in years, the government is now considering allowing the use of green crackers this Diwali. Delhi has maintained strict regulations on fireworks for many years now. The Supreme Court first imposed a ban on firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) back in 2014-15, as the air became unbreathable.

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Initially, green firecrackers were exempted, but they were prohibited in 2018, as they presented a challenge in enforcement of the ban. The emissions from green firecrackers, although lower, still posed health risks.

As Delhi government plans to request the Supreme Court to allow the use of ‘green’ firecrackers this Diwali, The Daily Jagran spoke to environmentalists to get their perspective and to explore whether these green firecrackers are genuinely safe or simply a “less harmful” alternative to the traditional ones.

Avinash Chanchal, Deputy Director Greenpeace South Asia, clearly states that "green crackers are not the solution” as they too emit harmful pollutants.

What Are Green Crackers?

Green crackers are environmentally friendly fireworks created by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) in India. Their purpose is to minimize air and noise pollution by eliminating toxic substances such as barium and incorporating additives that help control dust and emit water vapour.

These eco-friendly crackers are engineered to cause less environmental harm and are available in three main variants: SWAS (Safe Water Releaser), STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker), and SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium).

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Experts caution that “green” does not mean harmless. Akanksha Singh, an independent environmental consultant, explains that while emissions are reduced, fine particles, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides are still released in significant amounts. Environmental scientists agree that green crackers are “less polluting, not pollution-free.”

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What Are Traditional Crackers?

Traditional firecrackers are the regular fireworks commonly used during celebrations and festivals like Diwali, weddings, and New Year events. They are made using chemicals and metals that produce bright colors, loud sounds, and smoke when ignited.

Conventional firecrackers rely on chemicals like barium nitrate, aluminum, and potassium nitrate all of which release toxic gases, heavy metals, and fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) when ignited. 

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Conclusion: Real-Deal?

Experts agree that green firecrackers represent progress, not perfection. They help reduce pollution levels but don’t eliminate health risks especially in cities already grappling with poor air quality under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

As India prepares for another Diwali, the choice is not between fun and restraint, but between a night of fleeting lights and a future of clear skies.