SPARKS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Every year, as Diwali draws near, the familiar debate resurfaces — the celebration of light versus the cost of pollution.

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In cities like Delhi, where the festive glow is often overshadowed by a thick blanket of smog, the question of how to celebrate responsibly has become more urgent than ever. This year again, the conversation turns to “green crackers” — India’s scientific compromise between tradition and environmental concern.

Developed in 2018 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), these eco-friendlier fireworks were born out of necessity. The air quality in urban centres had reached alarming levels, particularly during the post-monsoon and winter months when temperature inversion traps pollutants close to the ground. ‘The situation in Delhi was especially dire — Diwali fireworks, stubble burning, and weather conditions combined to turn the air toxic. It was clear that something had to change. Green crackers emerged as an innovation meant to preserve the spirit of celebration while mitigating environmental harm. They were designed to cut emissions by roughly 30 per cent compared to traditional firecrackers. This reduction is achieved by modifying the chemical composition of the explosives — using less toxic raw materials and eliminating harmful substances such as barium nitrate and aluminium, both known to release fine particulate matter and toxic gases.