NGOs, Doctors Urge Citizens and States to Celebrate a Green and Safe Diwali.
New Delhi/Shimla: Taking a cue from the Supreme Court’s directive to minimize pollution during festivals, various NGOs, medical experts, and the United Doctors Front (UDF) have urged citizens — and state governments — to make this Diwali truly green by limiting the use of firecrackers and promoting sustainable celebrations.
Experts have welcomed the court’s nod to the Nagpur-based NEERI’s (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) initiative on ‘green crackers’, calling it a balanced and science-based decision.
Granting approval to green crackers developed by NEERI is a well-balanced and science-backed move.
But Crackers should be banned altogether, asserted Dr PC Negi, a renowned cardiologist based in Shimla Himachal Pradesh.
Initiatives like green crackers are commendable, but there’s a greater need to focus on long-term solutions to tackle pollution and health hazards in cities in winter months, said UDF.
Taking green crackers as a lead, experts say state governments in Himalayan regions — including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, and the northeastern states — should adopt green crackers and impose a ban on other explosive types to safeguard the fragile mountains and their pristine air.
Interestingly, even the Indian Army has turned green in the Himalayas, adopting sustainable geothermal energy and underground water storage systems to power and sustain its forward posts.
However, green crackers have yet to find their way into most markets, especially in the hills.
You still see skies turning into a explosive zone, with smog enveloping the mountain scape even in Choti Diwali and Dhanteras in Shimla, Dehradun and other towns. It will become worse on Diwali on October 20.
Still, Green crackers are seen as a small but significant step toward keeping our skies clean and streets and human safe.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), upcoming western disturbances and light rainfall in early October may temporarily clear the air, offering short-term relief before pollution peaks again.
Dr. Anshita Mishra from MAMC highlighted the importance of responsible celebration.
“The Supreme Court’s approval of green firecrackers developed by NEERI is a welcome, science-backed measure. These eco-friendly crackers release fewer pollutants and make it possible to celebrate without worsening air quality,” she explained.
Echoing her view, Dr. Abhishek Garg from UCMS emphasized the need for sustained, long-term action. “Air pollution isn’t a one-day problem caused by Diwali—it’s a cumulative, year-round crisis,” he said.
“We must adopt cleaner fuels, strengthen public transport, and support farmers with alternatives to stubble burning. Everyone—citizens, industries, and policymakers—has a role to play.”
Doctors have also advised expectant mothers to stay indoors during peak pollution hours, use air purifiers, eat antioxidant-rich foods, and wear N95 masks when outside.
Diwali Smog and pollens from pine worsen situation in hills for asthma and elderly citizens, cautions Dr Ravinder Mokta, a renowned surgeon, who runs his clinic in Sanjauli, Shimla.
Experts have welcomed the court’s nod to green crackers but stressed that individual responsibility and policy enforcement are equally vital to curb the smog that engulfs Delhi every winter.
Environmental groups and health organizations have urged citizens to opt for smokeless diyas, LED lighting, and community celebrations to reduce pollution, fire hazards, and respiratory illnesses that spike after Diwali every year.
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