SC Allows Green Cracker Production but Bars Sale in Delhi-NCR

SC Allows Green Cracker Production but Bars Sale in Delhi-NCR

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court permitted manufacturers with valid certificates to produce green crackers in India. However, SC clearly barred the sale of these crackers in Delhi-NCR region. The SC decision aims to balance environmental safety with industry needs.

The SC Green Cracker Ruling

• The Supreme Court of India permitted certified manufacturers to produce green crackers (eco-friendly crackers) but banned their sale in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
• The Supreme Court allowed manufacturers who hold valid certificates from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to produce green crackers. 
• The court clarified that manufacturers do not sell in Delhi and NCR until the next hearing scheduled for October 8, 2025.
• The court also highlighted the feasibility concerns raised in reports from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and NEERI. The court awaited detailed recommendations on the environmental impact and safety measures for green crackers.

Reasons Behind SC’s Ban on Sale of Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR

• Severe Air Pollution: The Supreme Court’s decision is primarily driven by the region’s chronic air pollution problem. Delhi frequently records “very poor” to “severe” air quality levels during the festival season. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in 2024, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi crossed 400 on multiple days during Diwali, far above the safe threshold of 100. Pollution from firecrackers contributes to spikes in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), worsening respiratory and cardiovascular health.

• Protection of Public Health: Studies from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicate that air pollution reduces the average Indian life expectancy by 3.5 years, with urban areas like Delhi being the most affected. Firecracker emissions aggravate conditions, leading to increased hospital admissions for respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis.

• Ineffectiveness of Past Bans: The Supreme Court also considered the limited success of previous bans. Despite earlier prohibitions on firecrackers, Delhi continued to face high pollution levels during festival seasons. Reports from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) highlight that complete enforcement was challenging due to illegal sales and unregulated use. The court noted that allowing production but controlling sales could create a more manageable solution.

• Vulnerable Populations Health: During high pollution periods, affluent individuals often leave the city or use air purifiers to protect themselves. However, low-income populations, especially those living in slums or on footpaths, remain exposed to harmful air. Pollution from firecrackers directly worsens living conditions for these groups, who already face multiple health and environmental challenges.

Why Regular Crackers are Very Harmful?

• High Air Pollution: Traditional firecrackers release large amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) into the air. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 2023 report, these fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Regular crackers contribute heavily to smog formation, worsening overall air quality.
• Toxic Chemical Emissions: Regular crackers contain chemicals such as barium nitrate, magnesium, sulfur, and arsenic, which produce thick smoke and toxic gases when ignited. Barium nitrate, in particular, is highly dangerous and causes the dense white smoke commonly seen during fireworks. These chemicals can trigger asthma attacks, bronchitis, and eye irritation, affecting both adults and children.
• Extreme Noise Pollution: Conventional crackers generate sound levels between 160 and 200 decibels, far exceeding safe hearing limits. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent hearing damage and disturb local communities. Noise pollution also affects pets and wildlife, leading to stress and disorientation.
• Environmental Degradation: The chemicals and heavy metals in traditional firecrackers do not just pollute the air; they also contaminate soil and water bodies. Residues of metals like aluminium, barium, and copper settle on the ground or wash into rivers, affecting soil fertility and aquatic life. These pollutants can enter the food chain, causing long-term ecological and health issues.

What are the Green Crackers?

• About: Green Crackers are a new generation of fireworks designed to reduce environmental pollution compared to traditional firecrackers. They are intended to produce less smoke, dust, and harmful gases. These crackers were introduced as an eco-friendly alternative to minimize these harmful effects.

• Development: In response to the Supreme Court’s 2018 directive, CSIR-NEERI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, developed green crackers to adhere to stringent environmental standards. 

• Regulation: Green crackers must be certified by NEERI and PESO before production and sale. Certification ensures that the fireworks meet strict safety and environmental standards. 

• Features: 

• • • Green crackers replace hazardous substances found in traditional fireworks with less polluting alternatives. Safer chemicals like potassium nitrate, aluminium, and carbon are used to create these crackers.
    • On average, green crackers are 30% less polluting than conventional firecrackers. By eliminating barium and other harmful agents, they release significantly fewer particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) and toxic gases into the air.
    • Green crackers are designed to limit noise intensity to between 110 and 130 decibels, depending on the type. This reduces noise pollution in densely populated areas.
    • The materials used in green crackers are selected to have a smaller negative impact on the environment. These fireworks reduce atmospheric pollution and solid waste.
    • The absence of barium nitrate and other toxic chemicals significantly reduces smoke and potential accidents caused by chemical burns.
    • Green crackers retail boxes display a green logo along with a Quick Response (QR) code, which provides information about the manufacturer and chemical composition.

• Types:

• SWAS – Safe Water Releaser: The SWAS cracker is designed to release water vapor instead of harmful chemicals, helping to dampen particulate matter in the air. It does not contain sulphur or potassium nitrate. The cracker also uses diluents to control gaseous emissions. 
• STAR – Safe Thermite Cracker: STAR crackers follow a similar eco-friendly approach as SWAS but with added focus on noise reduction. It does not include sulphur or potassium nitrate. 
• SAFAL – Safe Minimal Aluminium: SAFAL crackers aim to reduce chemical pollution by replacing aluminium with magnesium in their composition. SAFAL also avoids sulphur and potassium nitrate, further decreasing toxic gases released into the atmosphere.

Challenges of Green Crackers

• Limited Public Awareness: One of the main challenges is the low awareness among consumers regarding the benefits of green crackers. Many people continue to buy traditional fireworks because they are unaware of the reduced pollution and health advantages of eco-friendly alternatives. 
• Higher Production Costs: Green crackers are more expensive to manufacture than conventional firecrackers due to the use of safer chemicals and environmentally friendly raw materials. This cost difference makes them less attractive for small-scale sellers and can discourage widespread production.
• Limited Availability and Supply: Another challenge is the restricted production and distribution of green crackers. Only certified manufacturers approved by NEERI and PESO can produce them. As a result, supply often falls short during high-demand periods, such as Diwali, leading to scarcity and potential price inflation.

Way Forward 

• The government and regulatory authorities can provide financial incentives or subsidies to certified manufacturers to reduce the higher production costs of green crackers. Subsidies or tax benefits can encourage small and medium producers to scale up production.
• It is important to educate consumers about the benefits of green crackers. Awareness campaigns can inform people about reduced pollution, lower noise, and safer chemical composition.
• Authorities must monitor both certified production units and retail outlets to prevent the sale of traditional or uncertified firecrackers, especially in areas like Delhi-NCR. Real-time monitoring using QR codes and digital traceability systems can help authorities track production.
• Organizations like CSIR and NEERI need to continue developing new chemical formulations that further reduce particulate matter, toxic emissions, and noise while maintaining visual appeal. Innovation can focus on enhancing color brightness and spark patterns to make green crackers attractive.