Green Crackers Explained: What They Are, How They Work, and Can They Really Make Diwali Pollution-Free?

Indians all over the world are now immersed in Diwali celebrations, but just like every year, the concern of pollution arises with the festivities. Diwali and firecrackers are closely associated, as people enjoy fireworks during Diwali. But these crackers cause a lot of air pollution along with noise pollution, which is harmful for both humans and animals. So people are now shifting towards "Green Crackers"

While traditional firecrackers have been the cause of degrading air quality, especially in northern India, So people are now choosing "green crackers" which is being called a supposedly eco-friendly alternative. But do they truly make a difference,Crackers". or is the term more of a marketing label than a real solution? Let's find out.

What Are Green Crackers?

Green crackers are a new type of fireworks developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) to reduce air and noise pollution. Unlike conventional firecrackers, they do not contain harmful chemicals like barium nitrate, lithium, arsenic, or lead, which are known to release toxic emissions.

Instead, green crackers use less polluting raw materials to reduce particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 30% compared to traditional fireworks, as per claims. They also produce less smoke and lower sound levels, typically under 110 decibels, inline with the government guidelines.

Difference from Regular Crackers

The main difference is in the chemical composition. Traditional firecrackers are made of heavy metals and sulphur compounds that generate bright colours but release large quantities of toxic gases and fine particles when burnt.

Green crackers, on the other hand, replace or minimise these elements with alternative oxidants and binders that reduce emissions. They also contain safeguard tags (QR codes) developed by NEERI, which help buyers verify authenticity and ensure the product is officially approved as "green".

The Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have played major roles in regulating firecrackers, especially in cities like Delhi, where air pollution levels often spike post-Diwali. Only CSIR-certified manufacturers are permitted to produce and sell green crackers, and the products are tested to meet emission standards. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) issues manufacturing and sale licences to ensure compliance. However, despite these measures, fake or mislabelled products are often sold in the markets during the festive season.

Do Green Crackers Actually Reduce Pollution?

While green crackers do emit less smoke and particulate matter than traditional ones, experts say they are not entirely pollution-free. The reduction is relative; even low-emission fireworks still release harmful gases, carbon particles, and noise.

In cities like Delhi, where pollution levels are already severe due to stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and weather conditions, the contribution from firecrackers, though for a small duration, can worsen air quality even more during Diwali.