GREEN CRACKERS

Oct. 24, 2018

The Supreme Court has ordered that only crackers with reduced emission and “green crackers” can be manufactured and sold.

About:

“Green crackers” are so named because they “do not contain harmful chemicals” that would cause air pollution.
Components in firecrackers are replaced with others that are “less dangerous” and “less harmful” to the atmosphere.

Timeline:

The idea, proposed by Union Science & Technology Minister was announced in January. It was carried forward by a network of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) labs which has come up with 3-4 formulations.
CSIR-CECRI has developed flower pots by using “eco-friendly materials” that can potentially reduce particulate matter by 40%. CSIR-NEERI is testing the efficacy of bijli crackers by “eliminating the use of ash as desiccants”.
Scientists have given these crackers names: Safe Water Releaser (SWAS), Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR) and Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL).
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation is testing and analysing these crackers for safety and stability.
An emissions testing facility has also been established at CSIR-NEERI. This will test conventional and green crackers and monitor them for emissions and sound.