Green Crackers and Clean Air
Context
The Supreme Court considered a limited relaxation for the use of certified green crackers in Delhi NCR, subject to restricted periods for their sale and bursting. The focus was also placed on newer formulations developed by CSIR NEERI.
Key Highlights
- Green crackers are designed to reduce particulate emissions and solid waste. However, they do not make fireworks completely pollution free.
- Delhi’s winter air pollution is cumulative and extends across the wider airshed. Fireworks can cause a temporary spike in pollution levels alongside emissions from transport, dust, industries and biomass burning.
- Effective certification, traceability and enforcement are essential because counterfeit products can bypass prescribed emission standards.
- Regulating firecrackers needs to be accompanied by measures addressing the other major sources of air pollution throughout the year.
Way Forward
- Only certified products with QR-based traceability should be permitted within clearly defined time windows.
- Illegal manufacturing and supply of fireworks should be strictly controlled.
- Monitoring and compliance results should be made publicly available.
- Greater focus should be placed on reducing structural sources of air pollution throughout the year.
- Public awareness and cleaner alternatives should be promoted alongside regulatory measures.