Most firecrackers are banned this Diwali, but you can still burst some

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of India's most celebrated and cherished festivals. It brings joy and upholds the age-old tradition of bursting firecrackers to mark the occasion. However, in recent years, growing concerns about the environmental impact and health hazards linked to fireworks have prompted regulatory measures and restrictions on the types of firecrackers allowed during the festivities.

On November 7, the Supreme Court of India clarified its 2021 directives regarding firecrackers, aimed at reducing air pollution and promoting a cleaner and safer Diwali. The court banned the sale of firecrackers containing barium and specific chemicals while permitting a limited range of "green crackers."

Supreme Court's decision

• On November 7, the Supreme Court clarified the 2021 rulings, which banned the use of barium-based chemicals in fireworks and allowed only "green crackers."
• On October 29, 2021, Justices MR Shah and AS Bopanna's bench issued guidelines to enforce their order of the sale of less polluting crackers known as "Green crackers" through licensed traders.
• Online firecracker sales were prohibited, and the court set specific timeframes and designated areas for firecracker use.

The court emphasized that these restrictions apply not only in Delhi-NCR but also across all states in India.

What are 'green crackers'?

• Green crackers are a recent development in the fireworks industry. They were designed in 2018 by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and released in 2019.
• There are three types of green crackers in India:

SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): Crackers designed to reduce dust and smoke emissions, making them less harmful to the environment.
STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Formulated to emit less light and noise compared to traditional fireworks, making them a more eco-friendly option.
SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Designed to reduce emissions of harmful chemicals, ensuring a safer and more eco-conscious celebration.

The goal is to decrease air pollution and noise while still celebrating Diwali. These crackers are created using formulations that have been approved by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The firecrackers that are allowed

Note: Any crackers made following the "green crackers" guidelines can be burst on Diwali.

The green crackers are recognizable through their unique green logo from CSIR-NEERI and PESO, along with a Quick Response (QR) code.

When you go to buy crackers, the logos and the QR code on them will make them stand out from the other traditional crackers.

As the festival of lights approaches, it's essential for individuals and communities to adhere to the guidelines and restrictions set by the court.

By opting for green crackers and following the designated time limits, we can all contribute to a cleaner and safer Diwali while continuing to enjoy the spirit and joy of this cherished celebration.