Gen-2 joined the green cookies | Explained

In 2024, the IMD warned that firecrackers and stubble fires could push Delhi’s air into the “severe” category in case of adverse dispersal conditions. Representative file image. | Photo credit: SREENIVASA MURTHY V

Story so far: On September 30, the Supreme Court struck down the nationwide ban on firecrackers and accepted CSIR-NEERI’s recommendation for “limited and conditional relaxation”. This enables production of next-generation bonded green biscuits that meet noise, emission and safety norms ahead of Diwali. The bench said it would not allow a 24-hour burst and would consider fixed time windows.

What are Gen 2 “green” cookies?

They are crackers whose chemistry has been redesigned to release fewer solids than conventional crackers, without losing brightness, sound or durability. NEERI’s (CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) changes include additives such as zeolite, water-releasing compounds that act as dust suppressants, and metal composites that improve combustion. Conventional crackers rely on barium nitrate, antimony and other metals linked to respiratory disease.

The label is a misnomer because there is nothing organic about these cookies. NEERI’s own scientists called them “reduced emission fireworks”. NEERI claims that an earlier generation of “green cookies” saw a 30% reduction in particulate matter. His more recent analysis says that newer variants, called ‘Gen-2’, reduce pollution by 45% to 60% in PM10 and PM2.5 using formulations with less barium. However, these are laboratory data that have not been verified in real conditions. Only manufacturers licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), the central explosives regulator, can register with NEERI.

Why are we discussing green cookies now?

A “connected” cracker, a chain of crackers burst in sequence. | Photo Credit: Hindu Photo Library

The court granted time-limited, conditional support to a particular product, a “bundled” cracker, a series of crackers burst in sequence. “Linked” biscuits are colloquially known by many names – garland biscuits, lari biscuits, wala biscuits, saram and so on. NEERI says the new version will snap five braids per second instead of 25, stretching the burn five times. Smaller shells reduced solid waste by 4% to 32%. Noise must remain at 125dB(AI)/145dB(C) peak and barium-based additives are restricted.

The science is still incomplete. NEERI is modeling how barium from Gen-2 crackers disperses in Bhopal, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, with results due by October 15. The court also granted more time to the Central Pollution Control Board and the Center for barium and decibel tests.

What prompted their development?

Delhi-NCR winter smog and ban on crackers. Petitions were filed in the Supreme Court in 2015 due to winter smog in Delhi-NCR. In November 2016, a court suspended licenses for the sale of firecrackers in the region and banned sales in October 2017. The next year, it set out a framework that until now only allowed “green” crackers with reduced emissions and barium salts and “combined” crackers.

From 2025: Have ‘green’ cookies reduced pollution?

The September 30 order releases this framework for a redesigned version of the associated cracker, subject to NEERI’s terms. NEERI began developing formulations that year. In January 2025, the court extended the ban on firecrackers to the NCR areas of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. However, the ban mostly affected small informal industries. The green biscuits, the Center has claimed in the past, are to balance public sentiments during festivals, pollution and livelihood.

Does Delhi’s Winter Pollution Plan Say Something About Biscuits?

The Delhi government announced its Winter Action Plan 2026-27 on 29 September. The reported measures include 50% working from home from November 1, doubling of parking fees and a total ban on construction and demolition from December 10 to January 20. Non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi will be banned from November 1. There are no restrictions on firecrackers and don’s.

From 2025: Fire in the Sky: Deepavali and the Battle for Clean Air

What is the IMD’s latest outlook?

In 2024, the IMD warned that firecrackers and stubble fires could push Delhi’s air into the “severe” category in case of adverse dispersal conditions. Monsoon withdrawal from India is expected to be complete by mid-October, when atmospheric conditions such as cessation of high-altitude winds (which flush pollutants), cooler temperatures and an inversion layer, which traps pollutants, will emerge. With Diwali expected in the first week of November, it remains to be seen how this will all play out with ‘green crackers’ in the mix.

Published – October 1, 2026 12:16 PM IST