Green Crackers, Grey Reality: Diwali’s Eco-Friendly Promise Lost in Public Confusion

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Despite regulatory push and Supreme Court approval, green firecrackers remain misunderstood and underutilized. Low public awareness, lack of enforcement, and counterfeit products have left eco-friendly fireworks in a grey zone. As Diwali nears, confusion persists over identification, availability, and impact—undermining efforts to curb pollution and promote sustainable celebrations.

Green Firecrackers Struggle for Visibility Amid Festive Pollution Concerns

As India gears up for Diwali 2025, the promise of eco-friendly celebrations through green firecrackers is fading into uncertainty. Developed by CSIR-NEERI to reduce air and noise pollution, these crackers emit less particulate matter and avoid harmful chemicals like barium. Yet, their adoption remains limited due to widespread public confusion and weak enforcement.

Key highlights from the current situation:

- Identification Challenges
Most buyers and sellers are unaware of how to recognize genuine green firecrackers. Official variants carry a CSIR-NEERI and PESO logo along with a QR code, but many products on shelves lack these markers.

- Counterfeit Concerns
Residents report difficulty distinguishing authentic green crackers from fake ones. Some shopkeepers either don’t stock them or fail to promote them, leaving buyers uninformed.

- Supreme Court Guidelines
The apex court has permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR under strict conditions. Bursting is allowed only between October 18 and 21, with pollution levels closely monitored by CPCB and state boards.

- Public Awareness Gap
A survey by The Hindu found that nearly a dozen residents had no idea what green firecrackers were or how to verify them. This lack of awareness undermines the regulatory intent.

- Pollution Debate
While green crackers are marketed as eco-friendly, experts caution that their impact is limited. They are approximately 30% quieter and cleaner than traditional ones, but still contribute to pollution during peak festive periods.

- Policy vs Practice
Despite government encouragement, implementation remains weak. Without strict enforcement and public education, green firecrackers risk becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a meaningful solution.

- Need for Clarity
Experts urge clearer labeling, retail training, and public campaigns to ensure consumers can make informed choices. Verified shop lists and safety guidelines are being circulated in Delhi, but similar efforts are lacking in other cities.

As Diwali approaches, the green firecracker initiative stands at a crossroads—caught between good intentions and ground realities. Without stronger outreach and regulation, India’s eco-friendly firework dream may fizzle out.

Sources: The Hindu, India TV News, Goodreturns, Training By Himanshu, ABC News