NEW DELHI: After years of silence in the skies, Delhi could see the return of legal firecrackers this Diwali, but with a scientific twist. The Supreme Court has indicated it may temporarily lift the ban on green fireworks in the National Capital Region, sparking a mix of anticipation and concern among residents and environmentalists.
Developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), these so-called eco-friendly crackers are designed to emit fewer pollutants. Unlike traditional processes, they use fewer raw materials, avoid ash components and contain dust suppressants to control emissions. NEERI claims that these innovations reduce harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
However, the debate about their safety and their real impact is far from settled. A 2022 study by Delhi Technological University (DTU) found that green crackers still emit high levels of ultrafine particles, microscopic pollutants smaller than PM2.5 that can enter the bloodstream and damage vital organs. “Green does not mean clean,” said Surbhi Singh, an environmentalist. “Even with emissions reductions, their fine dust emissions remain dangerous, especially in stagnant winter air.”
While acknowledging the need to balance public health and cultural expression, the Supreme Court noted that a total ban had proven “neither practical nor ideal.” In response, the Delhi government has drawn up an enforcement plan to prevent the sale and bursting of illegal crackers as restrictions are eased.
According to officials, a special control room will be set up to track violations with joint teams of Delhi Police, DPCC and MCD patrolling the hotspots. Citizens are encouraged to report violations through the Green Delhi and Sameer apps, while an awareness campaign will inform the public about the acceptable types of green crackers.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government was ready to implement the court's guidelines. “If the ban is lifted, we will act immediately to ensure that only certified green crackers are used,” he said, adding that Delhi's larger aim is to reduce pollution at the source.
Despite the preparations, experts remain cautious. Surbhi warned that without proper testing and certification systems, counterfeit “green” products could flood the market. “We don't have labs or mechanisms to verify authenticity in Delhi yet. Without this infrastructure, enforcement becomes a guess,” she noted. The residents are evenly divided. Rajesh Sharma, a shopkeeper from Lajpat Nagar, said: “Diwali feels incomplete without fireworks, but the air becomes terrible every year. Maybe the green firecrackers can compensate.” Others, like Chetan Sharma, a south Delhi resident, are less hopeful: “Even the so-called green crackers emit noxious smoke. It is reckless to leave them so close to winter.”
As Delhi prepares for festival season, the city stands at a familiar crossroads between celebration and caution. Whether the sky lights up with color or remains calm in restraint, the outcome will test not just politics but also Delhi's resolve in its broader fight against festival pollution.