Sandeep Dhand
Journalist and Reserch Analysist
Introduction
Festivals in India are celebrated with great enthusiasm, light, and colors. Among them, Diwali—the festival of lights—is the most awaited. Traditionally, people decorate their homes with lamps, share sweets, and burst crackers to express joy. However, over the past few decades, the bursting of conventional firecrackers has raised serious concerns due to their harmful effects on air quality, human health, and the environment.
To control this growing pollution, scientists from NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) under CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) developed a new, safer alternative called Green Crackers. These eco-friendly fireworks are designed to produce less air and noise pollution while maintaining the festive spirit.
This article explores in detail the difference between normal crackers and green crackers, their composition, working, environmental impact, and why switching to green crackers is an important step for a cleaner and healthier future.
- What Are Normal Crackers?
Normal or conventional crackers are made using chemical substances that produce bright colors, sound, and smoke when ignited. These fireworks generally contain:
Potassium nitrate (KNO₃) – used as an oxidizing agent
Sulfur and charcoal – used as fuel
Barium nitrate and aluminum powder – responsible for bright lights and loud explosions
While these components create dazzling visual effects, they release large amounts of smoke, harmful gases, and fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) into the air. These pollutants stay suspended for hours or even days, worsening air quality and causing breathing issues, especially during winter when the air is already heavy with smog.
- Problems Caused by Normal Crackers
The harmful effects of normal crackers are not limited to pollution. Their impact extends to human health, animals, and the environment.
a. Air Pollution
When normal crackers burst, they release carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and heavy metals.
These gases mix with dust and moisture to form a thick smog that reduces visibility and increases respiratory illnesses.
b. Health Hazards
People suffering from asthma, bronchitis, or heart diseases are most affected. Continuous exposure to cracker smoke can cause:
Throat irritation
Eye burning and redness
Headaches
Breathing problems
Worsening of allergies
Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups.
c. Noise Pollution
Some normal crackers produce sounds exceeding 160 decibels, which is far above the safe limit of 125 decibels set by law. This high noise level disturbs newborns, elderly people, patients, and even animals and birds.
d. Environmental Damage
Residues from burst crackers—like paper, plastic, and metal dust—pollute soil and water. These materials are non-biodegradable and toxic.
- What Are Green Crackers?
Green Crackers are environment-friendly alternatives to traditional fireworks. They were designed by NEERI, a part of CSIR, with the aim of reducing air and noise pollution without completely taking away the joy of celebration.
Green crackers are made using safe chemicals and reduced harmful ingredients. They emit 30–50% less particulate matter and gases compared to normal crackers. These crackers are officially certified and sold under the supervision of licensed manufacturers.
- Main Features of Green Crackers
- Reduced Emission:
They emit 40–50% fewer harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. - Lower Noise Level:
Their sound is limited to 110–125 decibels, which is within the permissible limit. - No Use of Barium Nitrate:
Barium nitrate—a major pollutant—is completely avoided. Instead, safer oxidizers are used. - QR Code Verification:
Each genuine green cracker has a QR code issued by NEERI and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation). Scanning it ensures authenticity. - Visible Smoke Reduction:
The amount of visible smoke after bursting is significantly lower. - Types of Green Crackers
According to NEERI, there are four main types of green crackers, each developed to minimize specific kinds of pollution:
(i) SWAS – Safe Water Releaser
These crackers release water vapor during burning, which helps suppress dust and dilute harmful gases.
They do not contain potassium nitrate or sulfur.
The released moisture reduces overall emission.
Example: small sparklers, ground spinners.
(ii) STAR – Safe Thermite Cracker
These are made using reduced aluminum and oxidizers to lower the release of particulate matter.
They produce beautiful lights but very little smoke or toxic gas.
(iii) SAFAL – Safe Minimal Aluminum
These contain minimal aluminum powder compared to traditional crackers, cutting down on metallic smoke.
(iv) Other Water-Based or Sound-Reduced Crackers
Some newer versions are low-sound varieties, suitable for areas near hospitals and schools.
- How Are Green Crackers Made?
Green crackers are created through controlled chemical reactions that ensure less emission of carbon and nitrogen oxides. Scientists replaced harmful elements like barium nitrate and potassium chlorate with:
Nitrocellulose-based compounds
Modified thermite mixtures
Moisture-releasing agents
They are designed to maintain brightness and sound while producing 40–50% less pollution.
- How to Identify Real Green Crackers
Because of rising awareness, many fake products are sold as “green crackers.” To check if your crackers are genuine:
Look for the NEERI or CSIR logo on the box.
Scan the QR code printed on the packaging.
Buy only from licensed sellers approved by PESO.
If there is no QR code or NEERI mark, it is not a certified green cracker.
8. Difference Between Normal and Green Crackers
- Benefits of Using Green Crackers
Cleaner Air: Less smoke and fewer toxic gases improve air quality.
Safer for Health: Fewer cases of breathing problems and eye irritation.
Lower Noise: Friendly for animals, elderly, and children.
Supports Responsible Celebration: Encourages balance between joy and sustainability.
Government Approved: Promoted by India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests and developed under CSIR.
- Limitations of Green Crackers
Although they are a better option, green crackers are not 100% pollution-free.
They still emit some gases and noise.
Their availability is limited to certain licensed manufacturers.
Many people confuse fake crackers with real ones.
The cost is slightly higher due to controlled production and licensing.
Hence, while green crackers reduce pollution, they cannot completely replace the need for awareness and responsible celebration.
- The Role of NEERI and Government Guidelines
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) played a key role in designing and testing these eco-friendly crackers.
NEERI worked with fireworks manufacturers in Sivakasi (Tamil Nadu) to develop safe formulas.
The Supreme Court of India allowed only certified green crackers to be sold and banned all others.
NEERI also developed a mobile app called “Green Crackers” to help users identify genuine products by scanning the QR code.
- Social and Environmental Importance
Switching to green crackers represents a change in mindset. It is not just about using a different type of firework—it’s about taking responsibility for the environment.
During Diwali, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in many cities like Delhi, Ludhiana, and Mumbai crosses dangerous levels. By using green crackers, we can significantly reduce this burden.
Moreover, animals, birds, and newborns suffer the most during loud celebrations. Choosing quieter, less smoky crackers shows compassion and awareness.
- Public Awareness and Misuse
One major challenge is fake labeling. Some ordinary crackers are falsely sold as “green.”
Therefore, public awareness campaigns are essential. People must understand how to:
Identify real green crackers
Buy only from authorized shops
Burst crackers responsibly (for a short time, in open areas)
- The Future of Fireworks
Scientists are now working on next-generation eco-fireworks, including:
Completely smoke-free and biodegradable crackers
Laser and LED-based light shows as alternatives to physical fireworks
Soundless fireworks for hospitals and residential areas
Such innovations can help preserve traditions while protecting the planet.
- How You Can Celebrate Responsibly Choose certified green crackers only.
Avoid bursting crackers near hospitals, schools, or animal shelters.
Celebrate within the permitted time (as directed by local authorities).
Educate children about pollution and sustainability.
Support campaigns that promote eco-friendly celebrations.
Remember: even small steps by individuals can lead to big changes in society.
Conclusion
Green Crackers are a scientific and environmental innovation aimed at reducing the damage caused by traditional fireworks.
They are not entirely pollution-free, but they are 50% cleaner, safer, and smarter alternatives.
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. By choosing green crackers over normal crackers, we can truly celebrate this festival in the spirit of light, positivity, and responsibility.
Let us make our celebrations joyful without harming the air we breathe—because a festival is best enjoyed when both people and the planet can smile together.