As Diwali draws near, the Delhi government is asking the Supreme Court to allow the use of ‘green crackers’ during the celebration. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that Diwali is “the biggest festival” of cultural significance to Indians, and the government is looking for a pragmatic way to enjoy the celebration while minimizing air pollution in the area.
Even though the Supreme Court earlier authorized certified manufacturers of ‘green crackers’ to manufacture and sell in Indian cities outside of Delhi-NCR, none of these can be sold or used in Delhi-NCR unless explicitly stated by the Supreme Court. The Delhi government is therefore seeking their approval so these certified products can be returned to the Diwali festivities as cleaner alternatives.
Diwali, the beloved festival of lights, will be celebrated on October 21 this year. However, for residents of Delhi, the happiness and excitement is often overshadowed by severe smog. The capital city has long been plagued with hazardous levels of pollution, and around the time of Diwali, air quality typically worsens due to the widespread and unrestricted use of firecrackers. Over the years, the continued exacerbation of toxic air quality has led to repeated firecracker bans by the Supreme Court in efforts to protect public health.
On the other hand, scientists and researchers have made progress developing a propitious alternative. “Green crackers,” which are an output of years of research and development from the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI).
What Are Green Crackers?
In contrast to normal fireworks, green crackers are specifically manufactured to produce 70% less pollution. According to CSIR-NEERI, the fireworks contain less harmful components, such as barium, which have been replaced with alternative compounds or materials, in addition to materials that reduce dust and put out water vapour when the green cracker is lit. According to research from CSIR-NEERI, in this way, emissions are reduced and noise pollution is lowered.
Green crackers do not take away from the celebration of festivals, but offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to engage. Creating a green cracker still creates light and sound, but with a lesser environmental impact.
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