Environment · GS3.5, GS2.5 · 2026-10-14 · 3 min read · 2026-10-14-pm
Green Crackers and Pollution Control Challenges in India
The Supreme Court allowed limited use of green crackers to reduce pollution during Deepavali, but their real-world impact on air and noise pollution remains limited. UPSC aspirants should understand the regulatory, environmental, and enforcement challenges surrounding green crackers as part of pollution control policies.
Green crackers reduce particulate emissions in theory but have limited effectiveness in practice due to enforcement and usage issues.
Why is this in the news?
The Hindu editorial on October 14, 2026, highlighted the limited pollution control benefits of green crackers and the challenges in enforcing regulations during Deepavali in Delhi and NCR.
What are green crackers and how are they regulated?
- Supreme Court orders. Since 2016, the Supreme Court has regulated fireworks in Delhi NCR, suspending licenses after severe pollution spikes and later permitting only reduced-emission green crackers with restrictions such as a two-hour bursting window.
- Green crackers' emission claims. CSIR-NEERI promoted green crackers claiming a 45%-60% reduction in PM10 emissions compared to conventional crackers, but these figures do not reflect real-world conditions.
Why do green crackers have limited impact on pollution?
- Real-world pollution levels. In 2025, post-Deepavali PM2.5 levels in Delhi averaged 488 g/m³ with hourly peaks at 675 g/m³, showing high pollution despite green cracker use.
- Increased usage offsets benefits. When more green crackers are burst, the expected reductions in particulate pollution disappear, and noise pollution remains unaddressed.
- Enforcement challenges. QR codes for green crackers were sold to unregistered manufacturers, and police had difficulty distinguishing green crackers from conventional ones, undermining regulation.
What are the broader pollution sources and implications?
- Multiple pollution contributors. Fireworks are not the main cause of Delhi’s air pollution; construction dust, vehicles, stubble burning, and weather conditions also contribute significantly.
- Acute pollution spikes. Firecrackers cause sharp spikes in pollution during severe winter conditions, worsening air quality temporarily.
What needs to be done to improve pollution control?
- Formalising manufacturing. Moving firecracker production into the formal sector could improve compliance and enforcement of pollution norms.
- Public awareness. Increasing awareness about health impacts and pollution from fireworks is essential to reduce their use and associated pollution.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 45%-60% | Claimed reduction in PM10 emissions by green crackers | |
| 488 g/m³ | Post-Deepavali average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi in 2025 | |
| 675 g/m³ | Hourly peak PM2.5 concentration in Delhi post-Deepavali in 2025 |
Back to basics: Air Pollution and Regulatory Measures
Air pollution consists of harmful substances like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that affect health. Regulatory bodies set limits and rules to control pollution sources. Enforcement and public compliance are critical for these measures to succeed. Pollution spikes can be caused by multiple sources, and controlling one source alone may not solve the problem.
What happens next?
- Strengthen enforcement. Improving testing facilities and cracking down on unregistered manufacturers can help ensure only certified green crackers are sold.
- Promote formal sector. Encouraging formalisation of firecracker manufacturing can improve regulation and reduce pollution.
- Raise public awareness. Educating citizens about the health impacts of fireworks pollution can reduce demand and usage.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about green crackers and pollution control in Delhi NCR: 1. The Supreme Court allowed only reduced-emission green crackers with a two-hour bursting window after 2018. 2. Green crackers have completely eliminated particulate pollution spikes during Deepavali in Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (a). Statement 2 is incorrect because green crackers have reduced emissions but have not eliminated pollution spikes during Deepavali.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine the effectiveness of green crackers as a pollution control measure during festivals in India.
Examine: Analyse the regulatory framework, environmental impact, enforcement challenges, and suggest improvements regarding green crackers.
Intro: Green crackers were introduced to reduce pollution from fireworks during festivals like Deepavali.
- Explain the Supreme Court regulations permitting limited use of green crackers and their emission reduction claims.
- Discuss real-world challenges including enforcement issues, increased usage offsetting benefits, and persistent noise pollution.
- Analyse the contribution of other pollution sources and the role of fireworks in acute pollution spikes.
- Suggest measures such as formalising manufacturing, strengthening enforcement, and raising public awareness.
Conclusion: Green crackers alone cannot solve festival pollution; a comprehensive approach is needed.
Quick revision
- What reduction in particulate matter do green crackers claim to achieve?
- Green crackers claim a 45%-60% reduction in PM10 emissions.
- Did green crackers prevent pollution spikes in Delhi after Deepavali 2025?
- No, PM2.5 levels still reached an average of 488 g/m³ with peaks at 675 g/m³.
- What enforcement challenges affect green cracker regulation?
- QR codes were sold to unregistered manufacturers, and police had difficulty distinguishing green crackers from conventional ones.
Sources
- [1] The Hindu: The sound and the fiery: on green crackers, pollution control · 2026-10-14 · newspaper