The Supreme Court green crackers Delhi verdict marks a major environmental decision ahead of Diwali 2025. In this ruling, the Supreme Court allows only NEERI-approved green crackers under strict CPCB and SPCB monitoring. The move aims to balance cultural traditions with clean air goals, testing whether celebrations can coexist with pollution control.

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Supreme Court Allows Green Crackers in Delhi for Deepavali: A Test Case for Pollution Control

Why It’s in the News

In a significant environmental decision ahead of Deepavali 2025, the Supreme Court of India has temporarily relaxed its earlier blanket ban on firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The Court allowed the sale and use of only “green crackers”—those approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

The verdict, delivered by a Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, permits bursting of these eco-friendly fireworks within limited time windows and under strict monitoring by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

The Court described this move as a “test case” to assess whether cultural celebrations can coexist with pollution mitigation efforts.

Key Points for Prelims

• Judicial Authority: Supreme Court Bench of CJI B.R. Gavai & Justice K. Vinod Chandran.

• Decision: Relaxation of the firecracker ban limited to green crackers only.

• Monitoring Agencies: CPCB and SPCBs directed to monitor air and water quality between October 14–25, submitting daily Air Quality Index (AQI) reports.

• Definition: Green crackers are those with 30% lower emissions of particulate matter (PM), developed jointly by CSIR-NEERI and CPCB.

• Timing Restrictions: Bursting allowed during fixed hours—6–7 a.m. and 8–10 p.m.

• Manufacturing Hub: Around 85% of India’s firecrackers are produced in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, employing over 8 lakh workers.

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About Green Crackers

Green crackers are environment-friendly alternatives designed to reduce air and noise pollution. They omit or drastically reduce harmful ingredients like aluminium, barium, potassium nitrate, and carbon, replacing them with safe oxidisers and dust suppressors such as zeolite compounds.

Key features:

• Emit 30% less particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10)

• Lower emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

• Use non-toxic colouring agents

• Certified by NEERI and PESO under CSIR guidelines

Why Firecrackers Were Banned

India’s capital region consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, especially during winter when air stagnation and crop burning worsen air quality.
Key reasons for the earlier ban included:

• Air Pollution: Firecrackers increase PM2.5 and PM10 levels exponentially.

• Health Hazards: Rise in respiratory diseases, allergies, and eye irritation.

• Child Labour & Industrial Accidents: Firecracker manufacturing involves unsafe practices.

• Noise Pollution: Exceeds the permissible limits set under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Recent Developments & Global Context

• National Policy Context: Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), India aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 40% by 2026, making festive emissions a key concern.

• Scientific Context: CSIR-NEERI tests show that green crackers emit 30% fewer pollutants, though actual reductions depend on enforcement and controlled use.

• Global Health Perspective: The World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines (2021) recommend that annual PM2.5 exposure remain below 5 µg/m³, far lower than Delhi’s festive-season spikes.

• International Climate Links: Though fireworks mainly cause local air pollution, they also emit short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon, which contribute to global warming.

• Comparative Context: Many countries, including the UK and China, have adopted low-emission or laser-based displays to balance cultural festivities with sustainability goals.

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Relevant Conventions and Treaties

1. Paris Agreement (UNFCCC, 2015): Promotes climate-friendly practices and emission reduction strategies, indirectly supporting restrictions on high-emission activities.

2. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001): Targets elimination of hazardous chemicals — relevant to reducing toxic ingredients in fireworks.

3. WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (2021): Provide the benchmark for safe exposure limits to particulate matter and gaseous pollutants.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Balances cultural traditions with environmental responsibility.

• Encourages innovation and cleaner manufacturing in the Sivakasi industry.

• Generates empirical data to assess the effectiveness of green technology in reducing emissions.

Disadvantages:

• Limited real-world impact: Even green crackers can cause AQI levels to exceed safe limits.

• Enforcement challenges: Risk of illegal sale of conventional firecrackers under “green” labels.

• Short-term relaxation: May create a policy precedent undermining the NCAP’s pollution targets.

Way Forward

• Strict certification & QR coding for genuine green crackers.

• Public awareness campaigns on eco-friendly celebrations.

• Community celebrations using laser shows and light displays instead of individual bursting.

• Stronger penalties for illegal manufacturing and sales.

• Integration of real-time CPCB monitoring data with public advisories during festive seasons.

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Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s relaxation of the firecracker ban represents a measured experiment in balancing culture with environmental sustainability. It reflects India’s evolving approach—moving from outright bans toward evidence-based, regulated celebrations.

However, unless backed by strict enforcement, public cooperation, and real-time monitoring, even green crackers may fail to prevent Delhi’s air from turning toxic. The coming Deepavali will, therefore, serve as a litmus test for India’s green transition—where tradition meets the challenge of clean air.