What Are Green Crackers and How Different Is It From Regular Fire Crackers?

Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 12:56 [IST]

In a significant ruling ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court has temporarily permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR). The decision comes in response to multiple petitions seeking approval for the manufacture and distribution of these environmentally safer alternatives.

A bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran announced that green firecrackers may be burst between October 18 and 21, while their sale is allowed from October 18 to 25.

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The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi and NCR from October 18-25, with bursting allowed between October 18-21, mandating police patrols to ensure only certified ones, marked with QR codes, are sold, and limiting usage to 6 PM-10 PM. Green crackers, approved by CSIR-NEERI and regulated by PESO, emit less particulate matter, have reduced noise, and use safer chemistry, including SWAS, SAFAL, and STAR variants.

What Are Green Crackers and How Different Is It From Regular Fire Crackers

To ensure compliance, the court directed local police to form patrol teams that will monitor vendors, ensuring only certified green crackers-marked with QR codes-are sold. Violators will face formal notices for breaching the guidelines.The court also imposed strict usage hours: firecrackers can only be used between 6 PM and 10 PM, and online sales remain strictly prohibited.

What Are Green Crackers-and Why Do They Matter?

Green crackers are a cleaner alternative to traditional firecrackers, designed to reduce the environmental and health impact of festive celebrations.

Key Differences from Regular Firecrackers:

Lower Emissions: They release 30-35% less particulate matter and harmful gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

Reduced Noise: Their sound levels are capped at 110-125 decibels, compared to the 160+ decibels of conventional crackers.

Safer Chemistry: They avoid toxic substances like barium nitrate, arsenic, and mercury, using safer compounds such as potassium nitrate and minimal aluminum.

Smarter Design: Smaller shells, dust suppressants, and ash-free compositions help minimize pollution.

Certified green crackers carry the CSIR-NEERI logo and a unique QR code, ensuring authenticity. They are approved by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and regulated by PESO.

Types of Green Crackers:

SWAS (Safe Water and Air Releaser) - Emits fine water droplets to trap dust
SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium) - Uses limited aluminum, quieter explosions
STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker) - Free from potassium nitrate and sulfur, emits minimal smoke

While not entirely pollution-free, green crackers offer a more responsible way to celebrate-especially in cities battling poor air quality.