'Oxymoron': Experts slam 'green firecracker' decision

Experts sharply criticised the Delhi government's decision to seek Supreme Court approval for "green firecrackers" this Diwali, highlighting a string of contradictions.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok and Paras Singh

Scientifically, they said, the concept of so-called “green crackers” is an oxymoron. Practically, they said, it will be impossible for authorities to distinguish between who's bursting green crackers and who's not. Administratively, the move contradicts other curbs on much more anodyne practices such as burning leaves, while realistically, it will encourage mass use of fireworks, offsetting any supposed “gains” that “low-pollution” crackers might bring in the first place.

This debate, which environmentalists believed had long been settled, was reignited on Monday when Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said that the government believes “a balance between public sentiments and environmental protection is essential,” and that it will “request the Supreme Court to grant permission for the use of certified green firecrackers this Diwali.” Gupta added that the objective was to “strengthen our commitment to pollution control while honouring traditions.”

Delhi's tryst with “green firecrackers” is not new. The Supreme Court first allowed their limited use in 2018. But by 2020, the Delhi government had imposed a complete ban once again, finally acknowledging the near impossibility of enforcement.