SC Reserves Verdict on Diwali Crackers Ban: What You Should Know

SC Verdict on Diwali Crackers Ban: The Supreme Court has kept its decision pending on whether the complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR can be relaxed during Diwali to allow the use of green crackers. A Bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the case, which is part of the long-pending MC Mehta matter related to air pollution in the NCR. 

SC Diwali Crackers Ban Verdict Key Highlights

• The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on whether the complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR can be relaxed for green crackers during Diwali.

• The case was heard by a Bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran.

• This case is part of the long-pending MC Mehta matter related to air pollution in the NCR.

• Last year, a two-judge Bench had imposed a year-long blanket ban on all firecrackers, including green ones.

• The ban covered Delhi and neighboring cities like Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.

• During the recent hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and NCR states, requested the Court to lift time and usage restrictions for eco-friendly celebrations.

Why this Firecracker Case is Important

Every Diwali, Delhi-NCR’s air quality drops sharply because of traditional firecrackers. The smoke and harmful gases like SO₂ and NO₂ can cause breathing problems and other health issues. The Supreme Court’s decision is important because it will decide if people can use green crackers and still keep pollution in check. This case shows how we need to balance celebrating festivals with protecting our health and the environment.

What Makes Green Crackers Different

Green crackers are fireworks made to create less smoke, less pollution, and less noise, while still letting people enjoy Diwali. Compared to regular crackers, they produce about 30% less smoke and fewer harmful gases. They don’t use toxic chemicals like barium, arsenic, or mercury. Instead, safer ingredients like potassium nitrate and aluminium are used. They are also quieter, making sounds between 100 and 115 dBA, unlike normal crackers that reach 160–200 decibels. Green crackers were first developed by CSIR-NEERI in 2018 and are now a safer, eco-friendly choice for the festival.

Different Types of Green Crackers

Currently, there are three main types of green crackers. SWAS (Safe Water Releaser) reduces dust and smoke by using water vapor and produces noise around 105–110 decibels. STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker) lowers smoke by 35–40% with similar sound levels. SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium cracker) uses very little aluminium, reduces pollution, and makes sounds around 110–115 dBA. All three types are made only by licensed manufacturers and certified by CSIR-NEERI and PESO to ensure safety and eco-friendliness.

How to Spot Real Green Crackers

It’s important to know how to spot genuine green crackers to avoid fakes. Real green crackers carry the CSIR-NEERI logo on the box and have a QR code that can be scanned using the CSIR NEERI Green QR Code App. People should avoid buying crackers from street vendors and only purchase from authorized sellers. Knowing how to identify authentic green crackers ensures safer celebrations for everyone.

Green Crackers vs Regular Firecrackers

Green crackers are safer for both people and the environment. They produce 30% less smoke, fewer harmful gases, and quieter sounds (100–115 dBA) compared to conventional crackers (160–200 decibels). They use safer chemicals like potassium nitrate and minimal aluminium, while regular crackers contain gunpowder, barium, arsenic, and other toxic metals. Green crackers come in forms like sparklers, chakkar, flower pots, maroons, and bombs, but in a more eco-friendly way. Regular crackers have no eco-certification.

Problems With Green Crackers

Despite being better, green crackers face challenges. Only licensed manufacturers can make them, which limits supply. They are also more expensive than regular crackers, so many people still buy traditional ones. Most buyers and sellers are not aware of how to identify real green crackers. Restrictions on regular firecrackers combined with limited green cracker availability may also affect jobs for small manufacturers.

How Things Can Improve

To make green crackers more popular and reduce pollution, the government can help small manufacturers get legal permission to make them. People also need to be educated about the benefits of green crackers and how to spot authentic ones. If production increases and prices come down, green crackers will become easier for everyone to buy, allowing safer, eco-friendly Diwali celebrations while also supporting small businesses.

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