As Delhi braces for one of its most air-critical periods, the public will watch whether the experiment in ‘green celebration’ helps or hurts. The festival of lights may now also be a test of balance – between joy and breathing clean air.

In a decision that has reignited debate over the balance between tradition and public health, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the use of green firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali season in the Delhi-NCR region, under tightly controlled conditions. The court’s order, effective October 18–21, permits bursting between 6:00–7:00 AM and 8:00–10:00 PM and limits sale to designated locations.

However, health experts and environmentalists warn that even these lower-emitting crackers could aggravate Delhi’s already fragile air quality during the festival. Meanwhile, real-time air pollution monitors across the capital are already flashing warnings: many areas have recorded “very unhealthy” levels, prompting precautionary health advisories.

Supreme Court’s Rationale and Conditions

The Supreme Court’s bench, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, said that a blanket ban on firecrackers lacked empirical support and that a calibrated relaxation could respect public sentiment while attempting to limit harm. It clarified that only CSIR-NEERI certified green crackers would be allowed, and any manufacturer found violating the norm could face license cancellation. The court also stressed that no firecrackers from outside the Delhi-NCR region may be sold in the city, to prevent smuggling and counterfeit or non-green variants from entering circulation.

The sale window has been narrowed: green crackers may be sold only at designated sites between October 15 and 25. The Supreme Court also directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution agencies to monitor air quality during the period and submit post-Festival reports.

In issuing its verdict, the court warned that firecrackers smuggled into Delhi-NCR would cause more damage than permitted green ones and urged a “balanced approach” to festival celebrations.

What Are Green Crackers – and Their Limits

Green firecrackers are formulated to reduce emissions by modifying raw material composition, reducing dust, and including suppressants. According to CSIR-NEERI, these crackers can cut particulate emissions by 20–30 per cent compared to conventional ones, along with modest reductions in gaseous pollutants. Packaging must bear the NEERI logo and QR codes, which consumers can scan to verify authenticity via apps.

But experts are quick to caution: “less harmful” does not equate to “harmless.” Even green crackers release ultrafine particles, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, and other toxic components. In practice, during large-scale celebrations, the cumulative emissions could offset most of the claimed gains.

Enforcement poses another challenge: once ignited, green and conventional crackers look the same, making post-facto verification difficult. Activists warn that cheaper non-green variants may be falsely labelled as eco-friendly.

Alarming Air Quality and Health Alerts

Delhi’s air quality in mid-October is already in dismal shape, with many localities registering “very unhealthy” indices. Health advisories urge vulnerable groups – children, the elderly, patients with respiratory or cardiac conditions – to minimize outdoor exposure. Hospitals in the capital warn of an expected surge in cases of asthma attacks, bronchitis, eye irritation, and cardiovascular distress during and after Diwali.

Public health experts point out that pollution from firecracker use would compound existing sources: vehicle emissions, construction dust, open burning, and seasonal stubble burning in neighbouring states. In earlier studies, researchers found that PM2.5 levels could rise multiple times during fireworks events, with fireworks contributing disproportionately to elemental species in fine particulate matter.

Public Reaction: Relief, Scepticism, and Concern

The court’s verdict was met with mixed reactions across Delhi. Some residents welcomed the easing, citing that a complete ban had often been flouted and that green crackers allow some festive expression. Markets in areas such as Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar have already seen increased footfall from customers buying firecrackers.

At the same time, sceptics warn that the relaxation may backfire. Activists point out that past bans were routinely violated, and the permitting of green crackers may embolden noncompliance. “The more harmful crackers will find their way in, masquerading as ‘green’ ones,” said Saurabh Gandhi of United Residents of Delhi. Senior citizens, respiratory patients, and concerned parents expressed fear over the additional burden on health during a season already associated with smog and respiratory distress.

Some activists also argued that the order, passed just days before Diwali, may be symbolic rather than effective. Issues like weak monitoring capacity and low consumer literacy on identifying authentic green crackers could limit its intended benefit.

The Supreme Court has said the matter will be revisited in about three weeks, after pollution control bodies submit post-Diwali data. In the intervening days, the effectiveness of the order will depend heavily on on-ground implementation: policing of sales, QR code scanning, surprise inspections, and prompt action against violations.