Supreme Court Permits Green Firecrackers Under Regulatory Guidelines
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
This development is highly relevant for UPSC aspirants as it directly addresses the conflict between cultural practices and the fundamental right to a clean environment (Article 21), a recurring theme in GS Paper 2. It also touches upon technological interventions (green crackers by NEERI, cloud seeding) and urban pollution management, which are crucial for GS Paper 3.
Summary
The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of NEERI-approved "green firecrackers" in Delhi during specific hours for Deepavali, a move welcomed by the Chief Minister as balancing cultural traditions with environmental protection. Retailers must ensure the crackers have valid QR codes. To counter expected post-festivity pollution spikes, the Delhi government is also considering cloud seeding for artificial rain, pending IMD clearance. Meanwhile, the political opposition has criticized the government for delays in implementing the broader Winter Action Plan against air pollution.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court permitted the sale and bursting of NEERI-approved green firecrackers in Delhi, restricted to specific hours (two hours in the evening, one hour in the morning) for two days.
- Green firecrackers must feature a verifiable QR code to ensure authenticity.
- The Delhi government is awaiting IMD clearance to conduct cloud seeding trials after Deepavali to induce artificial rain and combat expected air pollution spikes.
- Political opposition criticized the administration for delays in rolling out the Winter Action Plan and inadequate broader pollution control measures.
Important Terms
Winter Action Plan
Delhi's seasonal policy comprising measures like drone monitoring, hotspot management, and odd-even schemes to mitigate winter smog and post-Diwali pollution peaks.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Environmental Pollution & Management; tests understanding of urban governance and air quality mitigation strategies.
CSIR-NEERI
A premier research institute under CSIR that developed "green crackers" to reduce emissions by 30% and manages the QR-code-based certification system for fireworks.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Science & Technology; relevant for institutional roles in environmental innovation and pollution control.
Article 21 (Right to Clean Environment)
The "Right to Life" which the Supreme Court has interpreted to include the "Right to a Clean Environment," forming the basis for firecracker bans and environmental regulations.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2: Constitution & Polity; tests judicial interpretation of fundamental rights and environmental jurisprudence.
Green Firecrackers
Low-emission fireworks (e.g., SWAS, STAR, SAFAL) that eliminate barium nitrate and reduce particulate matter by ~30%, requiring NEERI certification and scannable QR codes.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Environment; tests knowledge of sustainable technologies and specific measures to balance culture with ecology.
Cloud Seeding
A weather modification technique using chemicals like silver iodide or salt to induce rain, aimed at "washing out" pollutants from the atmosphere during severe smog.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Science & Tech; focuses on technological interventions for disaster management and climate control.
India Meteorological Department (IMD)
India's principal agency for meteorological observations and forecasting; it provides the atmospheric clearance (moisture levels) necessary for cloud seeding operations.
UPSC context
GS Paper 1 & 3: Geography and Disaster Management; relevant for technical oversight in environmental governance.
Prelims Trap
"Green firecrackers emit zero particulate matter and are officially certified by CSIR-NEERI."
NEERI develops the formulations, but PESO certifies them. Furthermore, green crackers do not eliminate pollution; they only reduce PM emissions by 30-35% and omit specific toxic salts like barium.
Static Concepts Connected
What are Green Firecrackers and their SWAS, STAR formulations?
- Banned chemicals: They completely eliminate the use of highly toxic metals like barium, lithium, arsenic, and lead.
- SWAS and STAR: SWAS (Safe Water Releaser) releases water vapor to suppress dust, while STAR lacks sulphur and potassium nitrate, reducing chemical and acoustic emissions.
- Emissions reduction: They do not eliminate pollution entirely but reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) emissions by roughly 30-35%.
How does Cloud Seeding induce artificial rain for pollution control?
- Mechanism: It involves dispersing chemical agents into existing clouds to act as condensation or ice nuclei, accelerating precipitation.
- Chemical agents: Silver Iodide (AgI), Potassium Iodide (KI), and solid Carbon Dioxide (Dry Ice) are the most commonly used seeding agents.
- Prerequisite conditions: It cannot create rain from clear skies; it requires pre-existing moisture-laden clouds to be effective.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Balancing Articles 21, 19(1)(g), and 25
The Arjun Gopal case inherently balances the Right to a Clean Environment (Article 21) with the freedom of trade for manufacturers (Article 19(1)(g)) and the right to practice religion (Article 25).
PESO's regulatory role under DPIIT
While CSIR-NEERI (under Ministry of Science & Tech) develops the chemical formulation, PESO (under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce) actually regulates and certifies the explosives, highlighting inter-ministerial environmental governance.
Expect a multi-statement question on cloud seeding chemicals (Silver Iodide) combined with PM reduction limits of green crackers.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2015MainsGS2
Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.
- 2022MainsGS2
“The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
- 2025PrelimsGS1
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
