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Green Crackers Dominate Diwali 2025 as NEERI Enforces Stricter Norms
17 Oct
Summary
- Only NEERI-approved green crackers allowed this Diwali
- Green crackers have smaller shells and use safer chemicals
- Experts call for stricter checks to prevent sale of illegal firecrackers
As India celebrates Diwali on October 17, 2025, the focus is on the use of only NEERI-approved green crackers. These eco-friendly firecrackers, developed by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), feature smaller shells and reduced chemical content, a move aimed at significantly lowering air pollution and noise levels.
Following a Supreme Court directive, the sale and use of conventional crackers have been banned across the country. Manufacturers in Tamil Nadu have submitted their cracker compositions to NEERI and received the necessary certification. The process involves testing the emissions and ensuring compliance with strict guidelines, including a minimum 30% reduction in particulate matter (PM) and lower levels of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Despite these efforts, experts note that the enforcement of the green cracker mandate remains inconsistent, with some regular and Chinese crackers still finding their way into the market. Authorities are being urged to conduct stricter checks and prevent the sale of illegal and hazardous firecrackers, which continue to pose a threat to public health and the environment.
