Supreme Court Permits Diwali Green Crackers Amid Pollution

The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of NEERI-approved green firecrackers for three days around Diwali 2025 in Delhi-NCR. The order allows bursting only between October 18 and 20 during specified hours, aiming to balance cultural practice with air quality concerns.

Green crackers defined and their emissions claims

The court specifically permitted next-generation green crackers, particularly the 'ladi' variety. According to the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), these approved variants reduce particulate emissions by 30-40% per cracker compared to conventional ones. A key stipulation is that the permitted firecrackers must not contain barium salts.

Dipankar Saha, a former head of the Central Pollution Control Board's air lab, noted the inherent limitation. "Anything involving combustion cannot be green, but it has lesser harmful chemicals, including barium or aluminium," he said.

Enforcement and verification challenges persist

Despite the court's order, significant practical hurdles emerged. Law enforcement officials on the ground reported being unable to distinguish between certified green crackers and conventional ones during celebrations. Most traders also admitted they could not tell the difference. Crucially, no mechanism exists to verify whether firecrackers sold in the market actually meet the stipulated emission standards.

Traders welcome but seek clarity on permitted products

Traders' associations welcomed the court's decision but immediately stressed the need for clear, actionable guidelines. They argued that without precise definitions and sufficient lead time to source exclusively permitted stock, they risk legal action for selling non-compliant products. Their call highlights the gap between regulatory intent and on-the-ground implementation.

Broader context of firecracker regulation and pollution trends

The decision unfolds against a complex pollution backdrop. Official data shows 2025 became Delhi's most polluted year in five years, despite generally favourable weather conditions that usually help disperse pollutants. Conversely, the city recorded its lowest September Air Quality Index (AQI) in five years, at 102. The court indicated that a final framework will further specify exactly which crackers can be burst and for how long.

Jinitha Varghese, an environmental researcher, emphasized a critical public misconception. "Green firecrackers are not zero-emission; they are simply slightly less polluting," she stated. The Centre and expert bodies have until October 15, 2026, to assess and report on barium-containing variants, as per the court's direction for further evaluation.