Supreme Court Ruling on Green Cracker

Recently, the Supreme Court allowed the manufacture of green firecrackers in Delhi, but prohibits their sale in Delhi-NCR.

Key Highlights of the SC direction

• Rationale of Decision: Certified manufacturers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) are permitted to produce green crackers under strict conditions to protect livelihoods.
• Restriction: Manufacturers must undertake not to sell crackers in prohibited areas to prevent pollution increase in Delhi-NCR.
  • Green Crackers though reduce the pollution as compared to Conventional crackers they still can increase pollution level in Delhi-NCR.

About Green Crackers

• They are eco-friendly firecrackers developed in 2018 by National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) under CSIR. 
• They reduce air and noise pollution by 30–40% compared to traditional crackers and use safer alternatives like potassium nitrate and aluminium instead of toxic barium nitrates.
  • They have  noise levels 100–130 dB, lower than traditional crackers (160–200 dB).
• Come with a QR code and green logo for authenticity.

Types of Green Crackers

• SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): Releases water vapour; reduces SO₂ and  particulate matter by around 30%.
• SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Less aluminium in flash powder; reduces particulate matter by 35–40%.
• STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Reduces use of KNO₃ and sulphur; cuts SO₂ and NOx emissions.

Challenges Regarding Green Crackers

• Partial Pollution Reduction: While PM2.5, PM10, sulphur, and nitrogen oxides reduce by 30–40%, UFP emissions spike significantly.
• Ultrafine Particles (UFP): Green crackers emit high concentrations of UFP (PM1, 1 micron = 1000 nm) that are more harmful than PM2.5 and PM10.
  • These particles can reach deep into the lungs, tissues, and bloodstream, causing serious health problems.
• Noise Control Limitations: Sound emissions are kept under 120 decibels, but environmental safety remains incomplete due to UFP.
• Economic and Operational Challenges: Green crackers cost more to produce and take longer to dry, with limited financial support for eco-friendly transition.
• Market and Livelihood Issues: Demand dropped due to pandemic and state restrictions, while risks of illegal sales and mislabeling threaten both environment and worker income.

Way Forward

• Strict Monitoring and Compliance: Implement regular inspections and audits to ensure manufacturers adhere to NEERI and PESO certifications and prevent illegal sale in prohibited areas.
• Licensing and Controlled Distribution: Introduce licensed production hubs with digital tracking of quantities produced, transported, and stored, reducing leakage into local markets.
• Awareness and Enforcement: Conduct awareness campaigns for traders and consumers, and strengthen law enforcement to prevent illegal bursting or sale, especially during winter pollution peaks.

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