Chandigarh, Oct. 15 -- For the fourth consecutive year, the Chandigarh administration has allowed only green crackers for Diwali, in a move to curb air and noise pollution and promote a cleaner celebration.

Green crackers are eco-friendly fireworks certified by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). They are designed to produce less smoke, reduce noise levels, use safer chemicals and comply with strict environmental safety standards.

Last year, amid continued bursting of crackers, the city battled "very poor" air quality (301-400) for two days after Diwali, which fell on October 31. An AQI between 301-400 can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure....