
Supreme Court Permits Green Crackers for Diwali Celebrations
What Happened?
The Supreme Court has allowed the use of certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali on November 7 and 8, but concerns about their environmental impact remain.
Key points
- Green crackers are allowed for use on November 7 and 8 between 6 am-7 am and 8 pm-10 pm.
- Only certified green crackers approved by CSIR-NEERI can be used; those containing barium are banned.
- Green crackers are designed to emit 30% less particulate matter compared to conventional fireworks.
- A study found that green crackers can reduce particulate matter and barium emissions by 30-60%.
- Despite lower emissions, green crackers still contribute to air pollution, particularly in Delhi during Diwali.
Key insights
- The effectiveness of green crackers depends on the quantity used and adherence to certification rules.
- Public awareness about genuine green crackers is crucial for their effective implementation.
- Even with reduced emissions, vulnerable populations may still face health risks from any firework use.
Why it matters
The decision impacts public health and environmental quality during the Diwali celebrations.
Entities
Source
India Today
