Supreme Court has proposed next-gen green crackers as a middle path between festive celebrations and concerns over pollution, noise and public health. The court accepted recommendations supporting limited and conditional relaxation for specified next-generation joined green crackers developed by CSIR-NEERI. The redesigned crackers are intended to reduce emissions and noise compared with conventional varieties while allowing regulated festive use under prescribed environmental, safety and noise standards.

They are redesigned strings of linked firecrackers that burst sequentially but use modified formulations, shell sizes and bursting frequencies intended to reduce pollution compared with conventional joined crackers. CSIR-NEERI testing cited before the court reported lower emissions, noise and solid waste from the redesigned versions.

Supreme Court Signals Time Limits For Firecracker Use

The Supreme Court has not supported unrestricted firecracker use. A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale said it would neither favour a complete nationwide ban nor allow fireworks throughout the day. Instead, the court indicated that specific time windows could be prescribed for bursting crackers during the festive season.

The conditional framework requires approved next-generation joined crackers to comply with applicable emission, safety and noise standards. The Centre told the court that specified products should be manufactured only by duly licensed manufacturers, stay within the prescribed noise ceiling of 125 dB(AI)/145 dB(C) peak and remain free from banned chemicals.

According to material presented before the court, the redesigned joined crackers burst at a slower frequency than conventional versions. CSIR-NEERI reported that conventional joined crackers can burst 25 braids per second, while the new versions complete five per second, increasing their bursting duration fivefold. Tests also indicated a 30% emissions reduction compared with conventional joined crackers.Further scientific assessment is continuing. CSIR-NEERI is studying the impact of Generation-2 formulations on ambient air quality in Bhopal, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, while the court is expected to consider the barium issue further on October 15.