Explainer: Why green crackers are better than traditional ones
Green crackers, introduced by CSIR-NEERI in 2018, are designed to be a cleaner alternative to regular firecrackers.
They cut harmful emissions like particulate matter and toxic chemicals by up to 40%, using special additives that trap gasses and release water vapor.
They're also quieter and easier on the environment—but still not perfect.
Green crackers still hurt air quality
Even with these improvements, green crackers still release ultrafine particles that hurt air quality—especially in cities like Delhi, where pollution is already a big problem during festivals.
While the government has suggested limited use of certified green crackers, enforcing these rules is tricky since they look just like traditional ones once lit.
Bottom line: green crackers help, but they're not a complete fix for festival pollution.