Delhi's Diwali: Green Firecrackers Fail to Clear Hazy Skies

Diwali celebrations in Delhi were marked by the continued use of firecrackers, despite court-ordered restrictions and the introduction of 'green' alternatives. These green firecrackers, intended to produce lower emissions, have proven to be far from pollution-free, contributing to hazardous air quality. Enforcement of the permitted timings for their use, between 6am-7am and 8pm-10pm, was notably lax, with fireworks persisting well past midnight.

Experts highlight that even 'green' firecrackers emit a substantial amount of pollutants, with a 30% reduction in emissions still leaving a significant environmental impact. The challenge of distinguishing between green and conventional firecrackers on the ground, coupled with inadequate monitoring, undermined the effectiveness of the regulations. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels, a key indicator of firecracker emissions, saw a sharp rise, particularly after the permitted hours, indicating widespread flouting of the rules.

Despite the Supreme Court's directives, including provisions for QR codes on green cracker boxes and police patrols, the scale of the problem and weak enforcement continued to be significant issues. Previous years' experiences, including a complete ban from 2020 to 2024, did not guarantee compliance. Residents reported prolonged firecracker use extending past midnight, exacerbating an already critical public health emergency due to severe air pollution.