New Delhi
oi-Swastika Sruti
Days ahead of Diwali, Delhi-NCR is already grappling with toxic air, with the AQI crossing 500. Amid rising pollution concerns, the Supreme Court has issued fresh directions on firecracker use, allowing people to burst certified green crackers for two days, November 7 and 8, 2026, subject to strict conditions.
Amid Delhi-NCR’s AQI exceeding 500, the Supreme Court permitted certified green crackers on Nov 7-8, 2026, from 6-7 am and 8-10 pm, followed by a complete ban from Nov 9, while specifying green crackers minimize emissions and require verification for authenticity.
According to the court’s directions, green crackers can be burst only between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm on November 7 and 8. A complete ban on firecrackers will come into force again across Delhi-NCR from November 9.
The court has also directed authorities to ensure that the rules are followed. Firecracker use is prohibited near hospitals and in notified silence zones, as part of the restrictions intended to protect vulnerable people.
What Are Green Crackers?
Green crackers are crackers developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI).
The crackers have been developed in order to minimize the emission from firecrackers through changes made to the composition and manufacturing process of the crackers.
It is noted that green crackers developed by CSIR-NEERI are developed with the objective of reducing the particulate matter emission by at least 30 percent as against conventional crackers of that category. Reduction in the gaseous emission such as SO2 and NOx has also been considered in some formulations. Green crackers have been developed with the objective of minimizing pollution caused by firecrackers while maintaining the effects of traditional firecrackers on celebrations.
However, green crackers are not pollution-free. They cause pollution through the emission of polluting agents even after bursting.
CSIR-NEERI also conducts testing of crackers to ensure that they do not contain any restricted ingredients such as barium salts, lead, arsenic and mercury.
What Are The Different Types Of Green Crackers?
CSIR-NEERI has developed different formulations to reduce emissions from fireworks. Three prominent categories are SWAS, STAR and SAFAL.
1. SWAS (Safe Water Releaser)
SWAS crackers use a special formulation containing a water-releasing component. The released material helps capture some particulate matter in the surrounding air, reducing emissions compared with conventional crackers.
2. STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker)
STAR uses a modified thermite formulation designed to improve the burning efficiency of the firecracker. This helps reduce particulate emissions while maintaining its intended effect.
3. SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium)
SAFAL uses a reduced quantity of aluminium in its formulation. The aim is to lower emissions associated with conventional firecracker compositions.
Green crackers are available in different familiar forms, depending on the approved product range. These may include flower pots (anaar), sparklers (phuljhadis), pencils and chakkars.
Green Crackers Vs Conventional Firecrackers: What Is The Difference?
The main difference between green and conventional crackers is their chemical composition and the amount of pollution they produce. Conventional fireworks use traditional chemical formulations that can release higher levels of particulate matter, smoke and other pollutants.
Green crackers use modified formulations and reduced or substituted raw materials to lower these emissions.
Here are the key differences:
| Green Crackers | Conventional Crackers |
| Use approved modified formulations | Use traditional chemical formulations |
| Designed to reduce particulate emissions by at least 30% under NEERI criteria | Generally produce higher particulate emissions |
| Tested for prohibited chemicals | May contain substances prohibited under applicable regulations |
| Must meet green-cracker approval requirements | Not permitted under the Delhi-NCR relaxation |
| Still produce some pollution | Can cause greater pollution |
It is important to remember that green crackers are a lower-emission alternative, not a pollution-free option.
Where Can You Buy Green Crackers In Delhi-NCR?
Green crackers should be purchased exclusively from authorized vendors at locations which are sanctioned by the respective local administration.
In the past, the orders of the Supreme Court for Delhi-NCR specified that crackers could only be sold by licensed traders at approved locations. Furthermore, e-commerce orders were not allowed as per the earlier guidelines.
Firecrackers should be purchased in accordance with the latest guidelines of the district administration.
These crackers should not be purchased from roadside sellers or unauthorized vendors who cannot prove that their products have been certified.
How To Identify Genuine Green Crackers
With the demand for green crackers increasing during Diwali, buyers should be careful about counterfeit products and misleading labels.
A packet carrying words such as ‘green’, ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘pollution-free’ does not automatically qualify as an approved green cracker.
Here are some important checks:
1. Check CSIR-NEERI registration: Verify whether the manufacturer is included in the official registered manufacturers list available on the CSIR-NEERI website.
2. Check manufacturer details: Look for the manufacturer’s name, registration information and applicable licence details on the packaging.
3. Verify product information: Check the product’s identification and traceability details wherever provided under the applicable regulatory system.
4. Buy from licensed sellers: Purchase only from authorised traders operating at locations permitted by the district administration.
5. Avoid suspicious certificates: CSIR-NEERI has warned about fake registration certificates and test reports. It has clarified that documents issued through its official online system are the authentic records.
One important point about QR codes: CSIR-NEERI has clarified that it does not itself issue QR codes or barcodes on products. Therefore, consumers should not treat a QR code alone as proof that a firecracker is genuine. Manufacturer registration and applicable product approvals must also be checked.
