Green Crackers: How to Identify Real Ones in Pune Markets Using the CSIR-NEERI Logo and QR Code

A real green cracker carries the CSIR-NEERI logo and a green “Green Crackers” mark on the box, plus a QR code that shows the manufacturer and licence details when scanned. If a box says “eco-friendly” or “green” but has neither, treat it as an ordinary cracker.

Green crackers were developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through its National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), after the Supreme Court asked for less polluting alternatives. They are cleaner than traditional crackers, but they are not pollution-free.

How do I check if a cracker is really green?

1. Look for the CSIR-NEERI logo on the box, along with the green crackers logo.
2. Scan the QR code with your phone camera. It should open the manufacturer’s name, licence number and contact details.
3. Check the seller. Buy from a licensed stall, which in Pune must display its temporary licence. Licences for Diwali 2026 run from 6 November to 5 December.
4. Be wary of loose crackers, unbranded boxes and “green” stickers added by hand.

Fake or unverified crackers can attract action under the Explosives Act, and stock can be seized, ETV Bharat reported, citing experts.

What are SWAS, SAFAL and STAR crackers?

These are the three main green cracker formulations developed by CSIR-NEERI, according to Business Today:

• SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): releases water vapour that helps suppress dust
• STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): made without potassium nitrate and sulphur
• SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): uses much less aluminium than regular crackers

You will rarely see these names on the box in a Pune market. The logo and QR code are what to look for.

How much less do green crackers pollute?

Reports say green crackers produce about 30% less particulate matter than traditional crackers. Experts quoted by ETV Bharat put the cut at 30 to 40% for particulate matter and sulphur and nitrogen oxides. Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari said the reduction is closer to 25 to 30%, and only in laboratory conditions.

The main change is in chemicals. Traditional crackers use barium nitrate, which gives green colour and adds to smoke. Green crackers remove or sharply reduce barium compounds and heavy metals.

They are also quieter. ETV Bharat reported about 110 decibels for green crackers, against 120 decibels or more for standard ones.

Do green crackers make Diwali safe for Pune’s air?

Not by themselves. Thirty percent less pollution from each cracker still adds up when lakhs of homes burst them on the same night. Pune’s air quality usually dips after Lakshmi Pujan, when calm winter air traps smoke close to the ground. Our Pune air quality report explains how AQI is measured in the city.

Green crackers also burn just as hot. The PMC Fire Brigade’s safety rules apply to them in full; see our report on Pune fire brigade numbers and burn first aid.

What do Pune’s rules say?

Pune Police’s Diwali 2026 order bans crackers of 125 decibels or more measured 4 metres away, noisy crackers between 10 pm and 6 am, and all crackers within 100 metres of hospitals, schools and courts. The order applies to green crackers too. Read the full Pune firecracker rules for Diwali 2026.

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