What Are Green Crackers and How Are They Different from Regular Fireworks

As Diwali approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: what exactly are green crackers and how are they different from traditional firecrackers? With the Supreme Court permitting green crackers in Delhi and NCR from October 18 to 21, it’s important to understand their environmental benefits and limitations.

What Are Green Crackers?

Green firecrackers, developed by CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), are designed to reduce pollution while still keeping the festive spirit alive. Unlike conventional firecrackers, green crackers feature:

• Smaller shell sizes using fewer raw materials
• Ash-free composition
• Reduced emissions, thanks to dust suppressant additives
• Replacement of toxic metals with safer chemical compounds

By incorporating these changes, green crackers aim to lower the harmful effects of traditional fireworks on both the environment and public health.

How Are Green Crackers Different from Conventional Fireworks?

Traditional firecrackers rely heavily on metal-based compounds, which are a major source of air pollution and health hazards. Green crackers, on the other hand:

• Use multifunctional additives such as zeolite and iron oxide
• Reduce chemical usage in manufacturing
• Emit fewer pollutants like particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide

While green crackers are not completely pollution-free, they produce up to 30% less air pollution than regular firecrackers, according to CSIR-NEERI.

Are Green Crackers Pollution-Free?

It’s important to note that green crackers still contribute to pollution, albeit to a lesser extent. The key improvement is in particulate matter (PM) emissions, which are significantly reduced.

Understanding Particulate Matter:

• PM includes particles in the air classified by size: PM10, PM2.5, PM1, and ultra-fine PM
• Smaller particles can penetrate deeper into the lungs, causing health risks

Green crackers help minimize these risks, making them a safer choice for celebrations.

Types of Green Crackers

Green crackers come in different variants, each with specific environmental benefits:

1. SWAS (Safe Water and Air Releaser): Emits fine water droplets that absorb dust
2. SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Contains a safe amount of aluminum and produces less noise
3. STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Free from potassium nitrate and sulfur, generating minimal smoke

Supreme Court Guidelines on Green Crackers

The Supreme Court of India has allowed the use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 21, with time restrictions between 6 am - 7 am and 8 pm - 10 pm on the day before and on Diwali.

Key points from the court:

• Green crackers are a “balanced approach” for festival celebrations without harming the environment
• Purchase and use of firecrackers from outside Delhi-NCR are prohibited
• Manufacturers of fake green crackers will have their licenses cancelled

The court emphasised moderation, noting that smuggled or conventional crackers cause more environmental damage than certified green alternatives.

Green crackers are not entirely pollution-free, but they are a step forward in making Diwali celebrations eco-friendly. By reducing harmful emissions and toxic metals, green crackers strike a balance between festivity and environmental responsibility.