As the festive season approaches, the spotlight once again turns to green crackers — an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks aimed at reducing air and noise pollution during celebrations. Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR–NEERI), these fireworks are being promoted as a responsible way to celebrate festivals like Diwali without compromising public health or the environment.

What Are Green Crackers?

Green crackers are scientifically designed fireworks that release fewer pollutants into the atmosphere compared to conventional ones. They are free from harmful chemicals such as barium nitrate and other toxic metals, which are known to cause respiratory and environmental damage. Instead, they use safer oxidisers and dust suppressants like zeolite and iron oxide.

Each certified green cracker carries the official CSIR–NEERI logo and a QR code to help consumers verify authenticity. This QR code system also assists authorities in distinguishing genuine eco-friendly products from illegal or mislabeled fireworks.

How They Differ from Traditional Firecrackers

Unlike regular firecrackers that rely on high-emission substances such as sulphur, aluminium, and potassium nitrate, green crackers are made with modified chemical compositions that reduce harmful emissions by up to 30–40 per cent.

• Reduced Emissions: Green crackers produce significantly less smoke, dust, and particulate matter (PM2.5), helping to improve post-Diwali air quality.
• Controlled Noise Levels: Traditional firecrackers often exceed permissible noise limits, sometimes reaching over 150 decibels. Green crackers are engineered to stay within 110–125 decibels, making them safer for people and animals.
• Safer Manufacturing: These crackers are made under the supervision of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Types of Green Crackers Developed by CSIR–NEERI

1. SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): Releases water vapour to suppress dust and reduce particulate emissions.
2. STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Eliminates sulphur and potassium nitrate, curbing the release of harmful gases.
3. SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Uses minimal aluminium to reduce smoke and noise while maintaining visual effects.

Environmental and Health Benefits

Air pollution levels traditionally spike during the festive season due to large-scale bursting of firecrackers. Green crackers offer a cleaner alternative, reducing the release of toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that aggravate respiratory diseases. Experts say that even a partial shift towards eco-friendly crackers can significantly lower pollution peaks recorded in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata after Diwali.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the government’s push, the adoption of green crackers has been slow. Many consumers remain unaware of how to identify genuine products, while fake versions have appeared in several markets. Manufacturers also face challenges with shorter shelf life and slightly lower brightness compared to conventional fireworks.

Environmentalists, however, emphasize that green crackers are a progressive step rather than a complete solution. They advocate for reduced firecracker usage overall, coupled with awareness drives to educate the public about sustainable celebrations.

A Balanced Way Forward

The introduction of green crackers represents an important effort to strike a balance between tradition and environmental responsibility. As authorities continue to enforce stricter pollution controls and promote sustainable options, green crackers may well become the norm for future celebrations — keeping the festive spirit alive while ensuring cleaner air for all.