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Delhi's Green Crackers Dilemma: Why Health Experts Warn Amid Rising Pollution

Health experts are raising concerns about green crackers despite Supreme Court approval. Dr S. Chatterjee explains that while green crackers are less polluting, they still contribute to air pollution. With Delhi's pollution levels already rising, even reduced-emission crackers pose health risks. The doctor strongly recommends avoiding all crackers to protect vulnerable populations.

Key Points: Health Expert Warns Against Green Crackers Despite SC Approval

  • Green crackers cause 30% less pollution than traditional firecrackers
  • Smaller shell size reduces particulate matter emissions
  • Rising Delhi pollution levels increase health risks
  • Respiratory patients face particular danger during Diwali
  • Supreme Court allows limited green cracker use on test basis
  • Time restrictions imposed from 6-7 AM and 8-10 PM
2 min read

Avoid using green crackers, pollution levels are rising: Health expert

Apollo Hospital doctor cautions that green crackers still pose health risks as Delhi pollution rises. Expert advises complete avoidance for respiratory patients.

"It is highly advisable that we avoid using crackers, even the green ones - Dr S. Chatterjee, Apollo Hospital"

New Delhi, October 17

Reacting to the SC decision to permit green crackers in Delhi-NCR, Apollo Hospital's Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine, Dr S. Chatterjee, points out that although pollution is 30% less than that of traditional crackers, increased air pollution levels continue to pose health hazards, particularly for patients with respiratory diseases.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Chatterjee said, "In Delhi, crackers were banned earlier. However, the Supreme Court has now permitted the use of specifically green crackers. It is not that green crackers are free of pollution. The only benefit is that it causes 30% less pollution than conventional crackers. It causes less damage due to its smaller shell size, as it emits less particulate matter, and because the raw material is less hazardous than that used in conventional crackers."

"However, with the pollution levels rising again in the capital city, it is highly advisable that we avoid using crackers, even the green ones, as the pollution levels will likely rise, and the general public, including patients suffering from respiratory diseases, may suffer more after Diwali. It is highly advisable that it is regulated well and even the green crackers are not used," he added.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday relaxed its earlier blanket prohibition on firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers, with some conditions.

A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandra allowed the sale of green firecrackers from October 18 to October 20.

It is ordered that bursting of green firecrackers shall be confined between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm on the two days, i.e., the one before and on the Diwali day.

The apex court made it clear that the relaxation is only on a test case basis and shall be applicable only for the specified period.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
I understand the health concerns, but Diwali without crackers feels incomplete. At least green crackers are a step in the right direction. We need to balance tradition with environmental responsibility.
A
Ananya R
The timing restrictions are good, but enforcement is the real challenge. Last year, people burst crackers well beyond the permitted hours. Authorities need to be more strict about implementation.
M
Michael C
Living in Delhi for 3 years now, the air quality during Diwali is genuinely concerning. Even as an expat, I can feel the difference. Green crackers might help, but avoiding them altogether seems wiser given the current pollution levels.
S
Siddharth J
Why can't we celebrate with diyas and sweets instead? The true spirit of Diwali is about light overcoming darkness, not pollution causing health problems. Let's rethink our celebrations. 🪔
K
Kavya N
I appreciate that the Supreme Court is trying to find a middle ground, but Dr. Chatterjee makes a valid point. When Delhi's air quality is already so poor, adding any kind of crackers seems counterproductive. Health should come first.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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