_Supreme Court allows limited green cracker use, but experts warn city faces familiar pollution woes._ **NEW DELHI, October 20, 2025** — As the festival of lights, Diwali, dawns upon Delhi, a familiar tension hangs in the air, thick with anticipation and, unfortunately, pollutants. The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and bursting of "green crackers" for a limited period, a move aimed at balancing tradition with the city's perennial battle against hazardous air quality. But with the Air Quality Index (AQI) already in the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories, many wonder if this compromise will truly bring relief or merely dim the festive glow. ^[1][2][3]Diwali falls on October 20 this year, and while the Supreme Court has allowed green crackers, their use is strictly time-bound: from 6 am to 7 am and again from 8 pm to 10 pm on October 19 and 20. T^[1][4][5][6]his decision comes after years of complete bans and fluctuating policies, reflecting a complex effort to reconcile cultural celebrations with a worsening public health crisis. ^[7][8][9]### The Full Story Delhi's struggle with air pollution during Diwali is a recurring nightmare. For years, the post-Diwali smog has plunged the city into a toxic haze, leading to health advisories and emergency measures. I^[10][11]n 2019, for example, Delhi's AQI hit a staggering 680 on Diwali night, making it the most polluted city globally at that time. E^[12]ven with bans in place, widespread violations have historically led to sharp spikes in pollution levels. L^[13][14]ast year, on Diwali day (October 31, 2024), Delhi's AQI was 328 ('very poor'), spiking to 339 the day after. I^[13]n 2023, it went from 218 ('poor') on Diwali day to 358 ('very poor') the day after. ^[13]The concept of "green crackers," developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), was introduced as a less-polluting alternative. The^[12][15][16]se crackers are designed to emit 30-35% less particulate matter, sulfur, and other harmful gases compared to traditional fireworks. The^{[12][17][15][16]}y contain fewer harmful raw materials, avoid banned chemicals like barium salts, and often come with QR codes for verification. The^{[7][4][18][16]} Supreme Court permitted their sale and use from October 18 to 20, 2025, from designated locations, with Delhi Police issuing 168 temporary licenses for their sale. Bu^[7][19][4]t here's the thing: despite these efforts, Delhi's air quality is already alarming. On Monday morning, October 20, 2025 (Diwali day), the overall AQI in the national capital was recorded at 333, placing it firmly in the 'very poor' category. Sev^[3][20]eral areas like Anand Vihar (411), Wazirpur (402), and India Gate (347) have already hit 'severe' or 'very poor' levels. The^[3][21] Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR, implementing stricter measures to curb pollution. Thi^{[22][3][20][23]}s includes daily mechanical sweeping, water sprinkling, and restrictions on diesel generators. ##^[3][20]# What This Means This year's Diwali is a delicate tightrope walk between tradition and public health. For residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, the 'severe' AQI warning means a heightened risk of health problems like asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation. The^[10] calm winds and falling temperatures predicted for the coming days will likely trap pollutants close to the surface, making dispersion difficult and exacerbating the situation. Wh^{[13][2][24][25]}at's more, the effectiveness of "green crackers" is a subject of debate. Experts caution that even with reduced emissions, the sheer volume of crackers burst can still significantly impact air quality. Som^[12][17][26]e environmentalists worry that the permission for green crackers might lead people to believe they are entirely harmless, potentially increasing overall usage and negating any environmental benefits. Che^{[12][9][27][28]}tan Agarwal, an Independent Environmental and Forest Analyst, voiced concern that under the guise of green crackers, the sale and bursting of regular, more polluting crackers might also increase. Thi^[12]s echoes past experiences where authorities struggled to differentiate between certified green and conventional crackers. Rep^{[13][7][17][8]}orts already indicate that conventional crackers, often with fake green labels, are being sold freely across Delhi and NCR. **^[29]Key Points:** * The Supreme Court has allowed the use of CSIR-NEERI-certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali 2025. * ^[1][7] Bursting times are strictly limited to 6 am-7 am and 8 pm-10 pm on October 19 and 20. * ^[1][4][5][6] Delhi's AQI is already in the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories on Diwali morning, with an overall AQI of 333. * ^[3][20] Green crackers emit 30-35% less particulate matter and harmful gases than traditional crackers, but experts warn against their cumulative impact. * ^{[12][17][15][16]} Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been activated in Delhi-NCR to combat worsening pollution. ##^{[22][3][20][23]}# The Bigger Picture Delhi's pollution problem extends far beyond Diwali crackers. Year-round factors like vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and stubble burning in neighboring states contribute significantly to the city's toxic air, especially during winter months. Whi^{[30][13][10][25]}le firecrackers contribute to a sudden, acute spike in pollution, they are a symptom of a larger, systemic issue. The^[11][31] Supreme Court's decision to allow green crackers this year reflects a "balanced approach" to acknowledge festive traditions while trying to enforce environmental safeguards. How^{[7][17][5][32][27]}ever, the real challenge lies in the effective enforcement of these regulations and preventing the black market sale of banned crackers. Th^{[17][8][27][29]}e Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, has appealed to residents to use only certified green crackers and follow guidelines, emphasizing a commitment to a "Green and Prosperous Delhi." Thi^[24][33][32]s marks a shift from previous years' blanket bans by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which often faced criticism for hurting religious sentiments. ##^[8][26]# What Happens Next? The coming days will be critical. Weather analysts predict that the impact of firecracker emissions is likely to linger through most of the week due to calm wind conditions, with no significant respite from toxic air expected until at least Friday. The^[13] Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards will continue to monitor the AQI and conduct water sampling until October 25. Th^[5]e success of this "green Diwali" experiment hinges entirely on public cooperation and rigorous enforcement by authorities. If citizens adhere to the specified timings and use only certified green crackers, it could set a precedent for future celebrations. However, if violations are widespread, Delhi might once again find itself gasping for breath, highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive, year-round strategies to tackle its persistent air pollution crisis.