Home / Environment / Delhi Diwali: Green Crackers a Myth?
Delhi Diwali: Green Crackers a Myth?
22 Oct
Summary
- Teenagers easily purchase firecrackers despite Delhi's worsening air quality.
- Vendors sell 'green' labeled firecrackers, but verification is difficult.
- Court is yet to notify decisions on firecracker sale and use in Delhi.
Weeks before Diwali, Delhi markets are bustling with firecracker sales, with teenagers easily purchasing various types, including those not openly displayed. This occurs as the city's air quality index has already begun to plummet. Vendors in major markets like Jama Masjid, Sadar Bazaar, and Shakti Nagar are displaying 'green cracker' and 'zero pollution' labeled products, while other firecrackers are available on request from hidden stocks or nearby warehouses.
The Supreme Court has declined a blanket ban, permitting green crackers while the Centre assesses their barium content's impact. Despite regulations, enforcement appears lax. Many sellers refuse digital payments or receipts to avoid leaving a digital trail. Products marketed as environment-friendly lack rigorous verification, with QR codes sometimes leading to product catalogs instead of certifications. Even products explicitly labeled 'green' are not necessarily harmless, and their verification is difficult.
Experts emphasize that no firecrackers are truly 'green' regarding environmental impact. The burning process releases pollutants that remain suspended in the atmosphere, exacerbating respiratory issues and air pollution. The Delhi Fireworks Association reports rampant sales without checks, with traditional firecrackers already entering the city, making distinctions between traditional and green crackers challenging and potentially compromising environmental impact assessments.
