Every festive season, air quality worsens in many Indian cities. Firecrackers add to the problem. To reduce pollution without banning the tradition completely, scientists in India developed green crackers. Here is what you need to know.
What are green crackers
Green crackers were developed by the CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, along with other CSIR labs, after the Supreme Court in 2018 asked for less polluting firecrackers. They use alternative chemical formulations, smaller shell sizes and dust suppressing additives.
According to CSIR-NEERI, green crackers are designed to reduce particulate matter emissions significantly compared to conventional crackers. They also do not use banned chemicals such as barium nitrate, which was a major source of toxic emissions in traditional crackers.
Types of green crackers
CSIR-NEERI developed formulations with names such as:
- SWAS (safe water releaser), which releases water vapour to suppress dust.
- STAR (safe thermite cracker), which avoids potassium nitrate and sulphur.
- SAFAL (safe minimal aluminium), which uses less aluminium.
How to identify green crackers
- Look for the green cracker logo of CSIR-NEERI on the box.
- Scan the QR code printed on the pack. It should open details verifying that the product is from a licensed manufacturer.
- Buy only from licensed sellers.
- Be cautious of products that claim to be green but have no logo or QR code.
Also Read: AQI Categories Explained: What Good, Poor, Very Poor and Severe Air Quality Mean for You | How Much Salt Should You Eat a Day? What WHO and ICMR-NIN Guidelines Say About Daily Salt Intake
Are they pollution free
No. Green crackers are less polluting, not non polluting. They still produce smoke, noise and particulate matter. Experts and pollution control boards advise limited use.
Rules on bursting crackers
Rules vary by state and city. Courts and state governments often fix time slots for bursting crackers on festivals, and some cities, especially in Delhi NCR, have imposed complete bans on making, selling and bursting crackers during the winter months. Check your district administration or state pollution control board for the current rules before buying.
Safety tips
- Burst crackers in open spaces, away from vehicles and dry leaves.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby.
- Never hold lit crackers in your hand or let children handle them alone.
- Wear cotton clothes, not synthetic ones.
- Keep pets indoors, since loud noise distresses animals.
Alternatives
Many families now celebrate with diyas, lights, rangoli and community events, which bring the festive spirit without smoke.
Bottom line
Green crackers are a better choice than conventional ones, but they still pollute. Check for the CSIR-NEERI logo and QR code, follow local rules and keep the celebration safe and short.
Source / स्रोत: CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Central Pollution Control Board, Supreme Court of India
