Story so far: On September 30, the Supreme Court ruled out a nationwide firecracker ban and accepted CSIR-NEERI’s recommendation for a “limited and conditional relaxation”. This allows the manufacture of next-generation joined green crackers that meet noise, emission and safety norms ahead of Diwali. The Bench said it would not permit 24-hour bursting and would consider fixed time windows.

What are ‘green’ crackers?

They are crackers whose chemistry has been reworked to release less particulate matter than conventional ones, without losing brightness, sound or shelf life. NEERI’s (CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) changes include additives such as zeolite, water-releasing compounds that act as dust suppressants, and metallic composites that improve combustion. Conventional crackers rely on barium nitrate, antimony and other metals linked to respiratory disease.

The label is a misnomer, as there is nothing environmentally friendly about these crackers. NEERI’s own scientists have called them “reduced emission fireworks”. NEERI claims that the earlier generation of ‘green crackers’ saw a 30% cut in particulate matter. Its newer analysis says that the newer variants, called ‘Gen-2’, reduce pollution 45%-60% for PM10 and PM2.5, using formulations with less barium. However, these are laboratory figures, not verified in real-world conditions. Only manufacturers with a licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the central explosives regulator, can register with NEERI.

Why are we discussing green crackers now?

The Court has put a time-limited, conditional endorsement on a specific product, the “joined” cracker, a string of crackers burst in sequence. NEERI says the new version bursts five braids a second instead of 25, stretching the burn fivefold. Smaller shells have cut solid waste by 4% to 32%. Noise must stay within 125 dB(AI)/145 dB(C) peak, and barium-based ingredients are restricted.

The science is still unfinished. NEERI is modelling how barium from Gen-2 crackers disperses in Bhopal, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, with results due by October 15. The Court has also given the Central Pollution Control Board and the Centre more time for barium and decibel tests.

What prompted their development?

Delhi-NCR’s winter smog and the cracker ban. Petitions were filed in the Supreme Court in 2015 over Delhi-NCR’s winter smog. In November 2016, the Court suspended licences for firecracker sales in the region, and in October 2017 it banned sales. The next year, it laid down the framework that, until now, allowed only reduced-emission ‘green’ crackers and barred barium salts and ‘joined’ crackers.

From 2025: Have ‘green’ crackers brought down pollution?

The September 30 order relaxes that framework for a redesigned version of the joined cracker, subject to NEERI’s conditions. NEERI began developing the formulations that year. In January 2025, the Court extended the firecracker ban to the NCR areas of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. However, the ban hit a largely small-scale informal industry. Green crackers, the Centre has argued in the past, are meant to balance public sentiment during festivals, pollution and livelihoods.

Does Delhi’s winter-pollution plan say anything on crackers?

The Delhi Government announced its Winter Action Plan 2026-27 on September 29. Reported measures include 50% work from home from November 1, doubled parking charges and a full construction and demolition ban from December 10 to January 20. Non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi will be barred from November 1. There are no strictures on firecracker dos and don’ts.

From 2025: Fire in the sky: on Deepavali and the battle for clean air

What is IMD’s latest outlook?

In 2024, IMD warned that firecrackers and stubble fires could push Delhi’s air into the “severe” category when dispersion conditions are unfavourable. The monsoon’s withdrawal is expected to be complete from India by mid-October, which will see the onset of atmospheric conditions such as a cessation of high-altitude winds (that flush pollutants), lower temperatures and an inversion layer that traps pollutants. With Diwali expected in the first week of November, it remains to be seen how all of this will play out with ‘green crackers’ in the mix.