'Green crackers' allowed in Delhi for Diwali, but with restrictions
Delhi is going for "green crackers" this Diwali, hoping to keep the city's air a bit cleaner.
The Supreme Court has given the green light to use only these eco-friendly firecrackers from October 18-20, but only during two short windows: 6-7am and 8-10pm.
With Delhi's Air Quality Index already at a troubling 296 (almost 'very poor'), officials are implementing restrictions to prevent things from getting worse as Diwali celebrations kick off.
What are green crackers?
Green crackers are designed with fewer harmful chemicals, so they release less smoke and create less noise than regular firecrackers.
While they're about 30% less polluting, experts warn they're not totally harmless—air quality could still dip further if people go overboard.
Authorities crack down on illegal firecrackers
Authorities have stepped up checks in neighborhoods and markets, making sure only NEERI and PESO-approved green crackers are used.
Police stations are on high alert, and anyone caught breaking the rules faces strict penalties—all in an effort to protect public health this festive season.