The Supreme Court has ignited a fiery debate by allowing green crackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) for Diwali celebrations from October 15 to 25, 2025, at designated spots. On Diwali day, bursting is restricted to one hour in the morning (6–7 am) and two hours in the evening (8–10 pm). While traders cheer the move, environmentalists warn it could choke Delhi’s already toxic air, endangering vulnerable residents.

Green crackers, designed to cut particulate matter by 20–30%, are touted as a cleaner alternative. Certified manufacturers can produce and sell them at approved sites during the 10-day window. Rajeev Kumar Jain of the Delhi Fireworks Traders Association hailed the ruling, saying it curbs black-market sales and promotes safer options. “Green crackers mimic 80–90% of traditional effects—sparklers, sky shots, chakris—but turn emissions into water vapor,” he explained, noting demand spikes for festivals year-round.

Yet, experts like Bhavreen Kandhari dismiss the “green” label as misleading. “CSIR-NEERI claims a 30% emissions drop, but in Delhi’s winter smog, that’s negligible,” she said. “One night of fireworks can poison the air for days, hitting kids and the elderly hardest.” A 2022 Delhi Technological University study backs her up, revealing green crackers still release lung-damaging ultrafine particles despite smaller shells and dust-suppressing additives.

Also Read: "I'm Being Followed": Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife Files Affidavit in Supreme Court

Parents like Neha G Jain, with two young children, are livid. “My kids are already battling asthma from Delhi’s air. Green or not, crackers make it worse. Diwali doesn’t need them to shine,” she argued. With monsoon withdrawal worsening air quality, EnviroCatalysts’ Sunil Dahiya predicts a pollution crisis. “Emissions from traffic and construction are bad enough. Adding crackers, even green ones, could push Delhi into the severe pollution zone,” he warned.

The court’s decision follows last week’s approval of green cracker production after manufacturers noted rampant illegal fireworks last Diwali. Jain argued bans fuel a “mafia” trade, while regulated green crackers offer oversight. However, enforcing restrictions amid Delhi’s strained pollution controls remains a hurdle, especially with air quality already declining. As Diwali nears, Delhiites brace for a festival that could spark joy—or a health emergency.

Also Read: Vijay Welcomes Supreme Court’s CBI Probe Order in Tamil Nadu Stampede Case