Polluted Delhi Tries ‘Green’ Fireworks to Clear the Air at Diwali

What the report says

India’s Supreme Court has ordered that only more environmentally friendly fireworks may be used this Diwali weekend in an effort to reduce pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. The decision comes as the city continues to struggle with severe air-quality problems that often worsen during the festival, when firecrackers are traditionally a major part of celebrations.

According to the New York Times report, the court framed the restriction as a response to public health and air quality concerns. The policy is meant to limit the environmental damage associated with conventional fireworks, which can add to already hazardous levels of smoke and particulate pollution in the capital region.

Environmental activists, however, are skeptical of the measure and have described it as a form of “green wash,” suggesting that the label of eco-friendly fireworks may not meaningfully solve the broader pollution problem. Their criticism reflects a wider debate in India over whether partial restrictions can make a noticeable difference in cities that face chronic air contamination.

The issue matters because Diwali is one of India’s biggest holidays and air quality in Delhi is a recurring concern at this time of year. The report highlights the tension between preserving festival traditions and addressing a long-running public health crisis.