Article 2: The sound and the fiery
Why in news: The Supreme Court has permitted specified green firecrackers under regulated conditions, renewing debate over Delhi-NCR’s winter pollution, the effectiveness of cleaner fireworks and the enforcement of environmental rules.
Key Details
- Judicial restrictions: Since 2016, the Supreme Court has introduced restrictions on fireworks in Delhi-NCR. Its 2018 directions permitted green crackers, prohibited firecracker chains and limited the duration of celebrations.
- Pollution spike: Fireworks can sharply increase PM2.5 concentrations during festivals. In 2025, Delhi’s post-Diwali average reached 488 µg/m³, while hourly levels peaked at 675 µg/m³.
- Limits of green crackers: CSIR-NEERI has reported that newer crackers could reduce PM10 emissions by 45–60%. However, actual benefits depend on testing conditions, the number of crackers used and compliance with standards.
- Enforcement problems: Reports of misuse of QR codes and certification labels, along with limited testing capacity, have made it difficult for authorities to distinguish approved green crackers from unauthorised products.
- Multiple pollution sources: Fireworks are only one contributor to Delhi-NCR’s winter pollution. Vehicle emissions, construction dust, stubble burning and unfavourable weather also worsen air quality, requiring coordinated year-round action.
Background and Supreme Court Directives
- Winter Pollution: Delhi-NCR faces severe air pollution during winter due to weather conditions and multiple emission sources.
- Supreme Court Intervention: In 2016, the Supreme Court suspended firecracker sale licences in the NCR following a sharp rise in pollution after Deepavali.
- 2018 Judgment: In Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, the Court permitted only specified green crackers, banned joined firecrackers or laris, and imposed a two-hour window.
- Recent Approach: The Court has allowed specified next-generation joined green crackers while declining a complete ban.
- Public Health Concern: Firecrackers can cause short-term pollution spikes when overall air quality is already poor.
Causes and Impact of Air Pollution
- Multiple Sources: Construction dust, vehicular emissions, stubble burning and industrial activities contribute to Delhi’s air pollution.
- Weather Conditions: Cold temperatures and stagnant air trap pollutants close to the ground.
- Particulate Matter: PM2.5 particles can enter deep into the lungs and harm respiratory and cardiovascular health.
- Pollution Spikes: The article reports that Delhi’s post-Deepavali PM2.5 average reached 488 µg/m³ in 2025, with hourly concentrations peaking at 675 µg/m³.
- Noise Pollution: Firecrackers also create excessive noise, which can disturb sleep and affect vulnerable groups.
Green Crackers: Benefits and Limitations
- Lower Emissions: The CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) states that newer green crackers can reduce PM10 emissions by 45%–60%.
- Limited Impact: Laboratory or controlled estimates may not reflect actual pollution levels during widespread use.
- Rebound Effect: If people burst more green crackers, the overall reduction in particulate pollution may be limited.
- Certification Concerns: The article reports that QR codes linked to registered manufacturers were misused to sell unauthorised products.
- Enforcement Difficulties: Authorities may struggle to distinguish certified green crackers from conventional ones without proper testing facilities.
Challenges in Controlling Firecracker Pollution
- Weak Enforcement: Monitoring the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers remains difficult.
- Informal Manufacturing: Unregistered production makes quality control and certification harder.
- Public Behaviour: Social customs and festive preferences can limit compliance with restrictions.
- Institutional Gaps: Shortages of testing facilities and trained personnel can weaken enforcement.
- Shared Responsibility: Firecracker regulation alone cannot solve Delhi-NCR’s wider air pollution problem.
Way Forward
- Strict Certification: Strengthen QR-code verification, product testing and action against unauthorised manufacturers.
- Better Enforcement: Equip police and regulatory agencies to identify permitted products and enforce restrictions.
- Public Awareness: Explain the health effects of particulate matter and noise pollution.
- Comprehensive Pollution Control: Reduce emissions from vehicles, construction, industries and agricultural residue burning.
- Long-Term Strategy: Combine scientific monitoring, public participation and consistent enforcement to protect public health and air quality.
Conclusion
Delhi-NCR needs a science-based and region-wide pollution strategy that combines effective enforcement with public participation. Green crackers can offer limited benefits, but certification and real-world emission checks remain essential. Authorities must also address transport emissions, construction dust, crop-residue burning and waste management. Year-round prevention, transparent monitoring and public awareness are necessary to protect public health and achieve lasting improvements in air quality.