As India celebrated Diwali 2025, the conversation around firecrackers took center stage once again. With the Supreme Court permitting the use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18-21, 2025, these supposedly eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fireworks have become the subject of intense debate among environmentalists, health experts, manufacturers, and the public. But what exactly are green crackers, how do they differ from conventional firecrackers, and are they truly the environmental solution they claim to be?​

The Genesis: How Green Crackers Were Born

The concept of green crackers emerged from a critical juncture in India’s battle against air pollution. In 2015, a landmark petition was filed in the Supreme Court by three infants seeking protection from Delhi’s toxic winter air. The worsening air quality during the festival season, particularly after Diwali, had become a major public health crisis, with particulate matter levels soaring to hazardous levels year after year.​

In 2017, the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi and NCR, acknowledging the severe environmental concerns caused by traditional fireworks. However, recognizing that the firecracker industry represented a Rs. 6,000 crore sector providing employment to over 5 lakh families directly or indirectly, the court sought a middle path.​

In January 2018, Dr. Harshvardhan Singh, the then Hon’ble Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, exhorted the CSIR scientific community to initiate research and development to address the growing environmental concerns due to fireworks. Subsequently, eight institutes of CSIR embarked on this ambitious project to develop reduced-emission or “green” fireworks, with CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) in Nagpur assigned the task of coordinating this activity.​

The Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment in Arjun Gopal vs. Union of India became the watershed moment—it banned conventional firecrackers and first introduced the concept of low-emission ‘green crackers,’ along with a two-hour window for bursting them on Diwali in Delhi.​

Defining Green Crackers: What Makes Them “Green”?

Green crackers are not pollution-free—the term refers to fireworks engineered to have a significantly reduced environmental impact compared to traditional firecrackers. According to CSIR-NEERI’s definition, green crackers are improved fireworks manufactured with specific modifications:​

Reduced Shell Size: Smaller shells containing less raw material in the composition, directly reducing the volume of pollutants released.​

Elimination of Ash-Producing Materials: No use of ash, which is a major source of particulate matter in traditional crackers.​

Modified Chemical Composition: Use of nitrogen-based compounds, reduced aluminium content, and eco-safe oxidizers that minimize toxic emissions.​

Dust Suppressant Additives: Incorporation of multifunctional additives like zeolite and iron oxide that bind with fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), forming heavier compounds that settle more quickly rather than dispersing in the air.​

Elimination of Banned Toxic Chemicals: Complete removal of highly hazardous substances including barium nitrate, arsenic, lithium, lead, and mercury—chemicals that are major contributors to air pollution and serious health issues in traditional crackers.​

Controlled Noise Levels: Designed to produce sound below 125 decibels at 4 meters distance, compared to traditional crackers that can exceed 160 decibels, thus addressing noise pollution concerns.​

Emission Reduction: The Numbers

Laboratory tests conducted by CSIR-NEERI have demonstrated that green crackers achieve substantial emission reductions compared to conventional fireworks:​

• 30-60% reduction in harmful substances including barium, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)​

• At least 30% reduction in particulate matter (PM), or alternatively, a minimum of 20% PM reduction plus at least 10% reduction in gaseous emissions​

• Lower raw material consumption: Aluminium content drops from 34% to 29% (14% reduction), sulfur from 9% to 5% (44% reduction), and potassium nitrate from 57% to 28% (50% reduction)​

• Reduced cost: Green crackers cost approximately Rs. 95 compared to Rs. 132 for conventional ones, making them economically competitive​

CSIR-NEERI scientists initially achieved 30-35% emission reduction, but ongoing research aims to push this to 50% or higher. Dr. RJ Krupadam, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-NEERI, stated that they have developed compositions capable of reducing emissions by up to 60%.​

The Three Main Types of Green Crackers

CSIR-NEERI developed three primary variants of green crackers, each with distinct characteristics:​

SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): These crackers release water vapor during explosion, which acts as a dust suppressant, reducing particulate matter by approximately 30%. They are free of potassium nitrate and sulphur, making them significantly cleaner than traditional variants.​

STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Also free from potassium nitrate and sulphur, these crackers emit less particulate matter than conventional ones and produce lower sound intensity, addressing both air and noise pollution simultaneously.​

SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): These crackers use minimal aluminium in their composition, making them significantly less noisy than traditional firecrackers while also reducing metallic pollutants in the air.​

Beyond these three primary categories, CSIR-NEERI has developed green versions of popular firecracker types including flower pots, pencils, sparklers, and chakkars.​

Certification, Authentication, and the QR Code System

To ensure authenticity and prevent counterfeit products, green crackers undergo a rigorous certification process involving multiple stages:​

CSIR-NEERI Registration: Manufacturers must first register with CSIR-NEERI by signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Upon registration, they receive a registration certificate and the green logo for differentiation of green crackers.​

Formulation Approval: Manufacturers adopt new and improved formulations demonstrated by CSIR-NEERI. They submit samples and raw materials for characterization and emission testing at CSIR-NEERI or CSIR-NEERI-approved NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) labs.​

Emission Testing Certificate: After thorough testing of submitted samples, CSIR-NEERI issues emissions testing certificates confirming that the products meet green cracker standards.​

PESO Final Approval: The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) provides final authorization based on requisite safety and stability tests. Only after PESO certification can a product be legally sold as a green cracker.​

QR Code Implementation: Authentic green crackers carry a CSIR-NEERI green logo and encrypted QR codes on their packaging. Consumers can scan these QR codes using a dedicated app that automatically redirects to a green certificate issued by CSIR-NEERI, allowing them to verify authenticity.​

As of September 15, 2025, CSIR-NEERI had registered 1,403 manufacturers from across the country, with the majority from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu—India’s firecracker manufacturing hub.​

The Sivakasi Connection: India’s Firecracker Capital Goes Green

Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district has long been India’s undisputed firecracker manufacturing hub, contributing nearly 90-95% of the country’s fireworks production. The establishment of a CSIR-NEERI laboratory in Sivakasi at a cost of Rs. 15 crore transformed the industry’s ability to transition to green crackers.​

Previously, manufacturers had to send samples to Nagpur for testing—a time-consuming and expensive process. The local CSIR-NEERI lab now produces additives that must be mixed with firecrackers to reduce dust pollution by a minimum of 30%, dramatically streamlining the production and certification process.​

R. Balaji, owner of Sri Balaji Fire Works Industries in Sivakasi, confirmed that the transition to green crackers involved merely adding CSIR-NEERI-developed additives to existing formulations: “For the last four years, we have been manufacturing 100% green crackers in our factory”.​

The industry has witnessed significant structural changes. While traditional firecrackers still account for an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 tonnes in annual sales, their market share is shrinking by 10-15% each year. Conversely, green cracker sales are rising approximately 20% annually, reaching 20,000-25,000 tonnes with a turnover estimated between Rs. 1,800 and Rs. 2,000 crore.​

G. Abiruben, Vice-President of the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers’ Association (TANFAMA), noted that traditional crackers are now mostly being made by illegal manufacturers: “Even small manufacturers in Sivakasi are preferring to switch to the new formula as the Supreme Court came down heavily on the industry in October 2018, while banning barium nitrate as oxidizer”.​

Supreme Court’s 2025 Diwali Order: A Conditional Green Light

On October 14-15, 2025, just days before Diwali, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision to temporarily relax the complete firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR, allowing green crackers with strict conditions. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran described this as a “balanced approach” between celebrating festivities and protecting the environment.​

The key conditions imposed by the Supreme Court include:​

Limited Time Window: Offline sale of green crackers permitted only from October 18 to October 21, 2025. Usage allowed only between 6 AM-7 AM and 8 PM-10 PM on Diwali eve (October 19) and Diwali day (October 20).​

NEERI Approval Mandatory: Only green crackers approved by CSIR-NEERI are permitted. All crackers must carry QR codes for verification.​

Licensed Traders Only: Sales restricted to licensed traders registered with NEERI, operating only at designated locations identified by district collectors in consultation with police.​

Strict Monitoring: Special patrolling teams will monitor all sales sites, verify QR codes, and collect random samples to ensure compliance. Any illegal crackers or non-NEERI-approved items will be confiscated, licenses of violators will be cancelled, and they may face fiscal penalties.​

Geographic Restrictions: Crackers containing barium or those bought outside NCR are completely banned. Crackers manufactured outside Delhi-NCR cannot be sold in the region.​

Air Quality Monitoring: The Central and State Pollution Control Boards were directed to track Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in NCR starting October 14 and submit reports to the Supreme Court.​

Chief Justice Gavai justified the decision by noting that complete bans had encouraged black-market trade and inflow of more toxic, unregulated fireworks into the capital: “Crackers are being smuggled into Delhi-NCR and they cause more damage than green firecrackers”. The court clarified that this year’s “relaxation is only on a test case basis” to assess whether carefully regulated use could coexist with pollution control efforts.​

The Authenticity Challenge: Are All “Green” Crackers Really Green?

Despite the certification framework, significant concerns remain about the authenticity of products sold as green crackers. A comprehensive study conducted by SwitchON Foundation in Ranchi’s cracker markets during the 2023 pre-Diwali season revealed disturbing findings:​

Out of 30 shops surveyed, 25 had products with QR scan codes. However, when these codes were assessed:

• 53% of green crackers were properly CSIR-NEERI and PESO certified, clearly indicating genuine green crackers​

• 13% were CSIR-NEERI certified but not certified by PESO, hence classified as conventional crackers​

• 34% of QR codes did not respond, clearly indicating they were conventional crackers being fraudulently marketed as green​

The study concluded that nearly 47% of crackers being sold in the market either did not have proper certification or were clearly conventional crackers pushed into the market, completely defying guidelines by legal and administrative authorities.​

The research identified several systemic problems:​

• The Green QR application was not compatible with new updates of Android/iOS phones, making verification difficult for consumers

• Most local vendors surveyed did not sell products with proper QR codes

• Inadequate enforcement allowed illegal conventional firecrackers to enter major shops and establishments

The report recommended that CSIR-NEERI update their Green Cracker app immediately to ensure smartphone compatibility, implement a simple yes/no prompt system for QR verification, and establish sealed crate systems where green cracker-labeled products travel directly from factories to licensed shops, unsealed only in the presence of authorities.​

The Health Reality: Are Green Crackers Safe?

While green crackers represent an improvement over traditional fireworks, health experts and environmental scientists emphasize that they are “less harmful, not safe”. Multiple concerns have been raised:​

Ultrafine Particle Emissions: A 2022 joint study by Delhi Technological University and IIT Roorkee found that even green crackers release large volumes of ultrafine particles smaller than 100 nanometers, which are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream.​

Dr. Rajeev Kumar Mishra, senior researcher at Delhi Technological University, emphasized that these ultrafine particles present serious health risks: “Green crackers have not been studied well… Under the National Clean Air Programme, ultrafine particles smaller than 0.1 micrometer aren’t even measured”.​

Persistent Toxic Emissions: Dr. Arvind Kumar, Delhi’s top chest surgeon and Founder-Trustee of Lung Care Foundation, stated unequivocally: “The word ‘green’ to me is a misnomer which takes away the risk element or rather makes it appear less problematic. A cracker is a cracker. If you burn a cracker, there will be pollution”.​

He explained that while conventional crackers contain mercury, lead, heavy metals, barium and other toxic substances, green crackers are supposed to have much lower content of these toxic elements, but not zero. The release of ultrafine particles and toxic gases still occurs with green crackers.​

Respiratory Health Impact: Dr. Syed Abdul Aleem, senior pulmonologist at Gurunanak CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, cautioned: “Green crackers emit fine and ultrafine particles like PM2.5 and PM1. These are tiny enough to go deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. They also contain small amounts of metals and chemicals that can irritate the airways and worsen breathing problems”.​

People with pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), or heart problems are at higher risk during firecracker season and may experience chest tightness, cough, or difficulty breathing even with green crackers.​

Real-World vs. Laboratory Conditions: Experts point out that the 30% reduction achieved in controlled laboratory settings may not translate to meaningful improvements in real-world conditions, particularly in already heavily polluted cities like Delhi. Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari, founder of Warrior Moms, argued that the reductions achieved in lab tests “become meaningless in Delhi’s winter air, where pollutants linger for days”.​

Noise Pollution Concerns: While green crackers produce less sound than conventional ones, many still exceed safe auditory limits, potentially causing hearing damage, disturbed sleep, and stress—particularly affecting children, the elderly, animals, and people with health sensitivities.​

Environmental Concerns Beyond Air Quality

Air pollution represents only one dimension of the environmental impact:

Water Pollution: Residues from firecrackers, including heavy metals and chemical compounds, can contaminate water bodies through runoff, affecting aquatic ecosystems.​

Soil Contamination: Chemical residues deposited on soil can affect soil health and agricultural productivity in the long term.

Wildlife Impact: The loud noises and bright lights from fireworks, even green variants, cause significant distress to birds, pets, and wildlife, disrupting their natural behaviors and causing panic.​

Climate Contribution: While individual firecracker emissions may seem small, the collective impact during festival seasons contributes to the larger problem of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

The International Context: Sivakasi’s Global Ambitions

With the transition to green crackers gaining momentum, Sivakasi’s firecracker industry is now eyeing the international market, long dominated by Chinese manufacturers. China has a huge global footprint in the firecracker export market with an annual turnover of Rs. 26,000 crore, and Sivakasi manufacturers aim to capture a fraction of this business.​

S. Maheswaran of Standard Fireworks, a leading firecracker brand in Sivakasi, observed: “The American and European markets are looking at us like the industry used to look at China 20 years ago”. With green crackers becoming the norm and gaining expertise in cleaner production, the industry believes it has enhanced its credentials for international supply.​

However, competition from cheaper Chinese crackers remains a significant challenge. Illegal Chinese crackers, which don’t follow NEERI-prescribed formulations and use much cheaper materials, are approximately two to three times cheaper than Indian-made green crackers, eating into the domestic market particularly in northern states.​

The Economic Dimension

The green cracker transition has significant economic implications:

Industry Size: India’s firecracker industry is valued at approximately Rs. 6,000 crore, with Sivakasi accounting for the vast majority of production.​

Employment: The industry provides direct or indirect employment to over 5 lakh families, with around 8 lakh people employed in Sivakasi and Virudhunagar alone.​

Market Dynamics: Green cracker sales are growing at approximately 20% annually, while traditional cracker sales are declining by 10-15% each year.​

Cost Competitiveness: Contrary to initial concerns, green crackers are actually cheaper than traditional ones due to reduced raw material usage and optimized formulations.​

The Path Forward: Recommendations and Challenges

Achieving a truly sustainable approach to festive celebrations requires addressing multiple challenges:

Enhanced Research: More comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the health impacts of green crackers, particularly regarding ultrafine particle emissions that are currently not monitored under the National Clean Air Programme.​

Improved Verification Systems: CSIR-NEERI must update the Green Cracker verification app to ensure compatibility with modern smartphones and implement a simple, foolproof authentication system that ordinary consumers can easily use.​

Stronger Enforcement: Regulatory authorities must ensure that conventional crackers do not enter the market and that all QR-labeled crackers meet CSIR-NEERI and PESO certifications stringently. This requires regular market inspections, sample testing, and penalties for violations.​

Supply Chain Integrity: Implementing sealed crate systems where green cracker-labeled products travel directly from factories to licensed shops, unsealed only in the presence of authorities, can greatly reduce the entry of illegal conventional firecrackers.​

Chemical Regulation: Government regulation of chemicals and raw materials that are primary culprits for air pollution—limiting access to thermite and barium compounds—can reduce the risks associated with crackers made conventionally.​

Public Awareness: Comprehensive public education campaigns are needed to help consumers understand the difference between genuine green crackers and conventional ones, how to verify authenticity using QR codes, and the health implications of both types.​

Year-Round Pollution Focus: As Dr. Arvind Kumar emphasized, pollution control efforts must extend beyond Diwali to year-round pollution sources such as vehicular emissions, road and construction dust, industrial emissions, and stubble burning.​

Alternative Celebrations: Promoting alternative forms of celebration such as laser light shows, LED displays, and community events can gradually shift cultural practices toward truly pollution-free festivities.

Green crackers represent a significant scientific achievement and a meaningful step toward reducing the environmental and health impacts of festive celebrations. The 30-60% reduction in emissions, elimination of highly toxic chemicals like barium nitrate and arsenic, reduced noise levels, and competitive pricing make them a substantially better alternative to traditional firecrackers.​

The establishment of a comprehensive certification framework involving CSIR-NEERI and PESO, implementation of QR code verification systems, and the impressive transition of Sivakasi’s manufacturing sector demonstrate that technological innovation combined with regulatory oversight can drive positive change.​

However, as environmental activists, health experts, and scientists unanimously emphasize, green crackers are “less harmful, not safe”. They still emit ultrafine particles capable of penetrating deep into lungs, release toxic gases and metal residues, contribute to noise pollution, and add to the cumulative burden on already severely polluted urban environments.​

The Supreme Court’s 2025 decision to allow green crackers on a “test case basis” with strict monitoring provides an opportunity to assess whether carefully regulated use can balance cultural traditions with environmental protection. The success of this experiment will depend on rigorous enforcement of QR code verification, prevention of illegal conventional crackers entering the market, genuine compliance by manufacturers, and honest assessment of the real-world health and environmental impacts.​

Ultimately, the best strategy for protecting public health and the environment remains minimizing or eliminating firecracker use altogether, as medical professionals consistently recommend. Green crackers may be a transitional technology—a compromise between immediate cultural realities and long-term sustainability goals—but the ultimate destination must be truly pollution-free celebrations that allow all citizens, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to enjoy festivals without compromising their fundamental right to clean air and good health