The Supreme Court has recently ruled on the use of firecrackers during festive celebrations like Diwali, Christmas and New Year. The apex court has sought a balance between maintaining the interests of the firecracker industry and safeguarding public health. This article will underline the key points from this ruling, its background, and the innovative solution of “Green Crackers.”
Understand the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Firecracker Usage
The court has set concrete time limits during which crackers can be burst. On Diwali, the permissible time slot is 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., while on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it is between 11:55 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
The Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) is designated to review the composition of fireworks for banned chemicals such as lithium, arsenic, lead, and mercury. PESO will also ensure that the market allows only those crackers whose decibel levels are within the stipulated limits.
This directive also imposes a ban on the use of barium salts in crackers and series crackers called ‘laris.’
The concept of Reduced Emission Firecrackers or Green Crackers has been introduced. These are low emission crackers that reduce Particulate Matter (PM) by 30-35% and significantly decrease Nitric Oxide (NOx) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). Simultaneously, the online sale of firecrackers through e-commerce platforms has been banned.
The Backstory of the Verdict
This ruling comes after an interim ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali in October 2017. The Supreme Court had initiated this limited ban as an experiment to assess its impact on pollution levels.
The court had also emphasized that Article 21, which pertains to the right to life, applies to both firecracker manufacturers and the general public. Therefore, it was imperative to strike a balance between the two while considering a nationwide ban on firecrackers.
The central government was also requested to suggest methods to curtail pollution and evaluate the effect of firecrackers on public health.
Understanding Green Crackers
| Name | Developed By | Special Property |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Water Releaser (SWAS) | CECRI, IICT, NBRI and NCL | Releases water vapor as dust suppressant and diluent for gaseous emissions |
| Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR) | CECRI, IICT, NBRI and NCL | Releases water vapor as dust suppressant and diluent for gaseous emissions |
| Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL) | CECRI, IICT, NBRI and NCL | Releases water vapor as dust suppressant and diluent for gaseous emissions |
The ‘Green Cracker’ Solution and the Harit Diwali Swasth Diwali Campaign
The term “Green Crackers” refers to firecrackers that don’t contain pollutants. Harmful components in regular firecrackers are replaced with less dangerous and harmful alternatives. This innovative solution has been developed by scientists at the Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, National Botanical Research Institute and National Chemical Laboratory. They have developed Green Crackers such as Safe Water Releaser (SWAS), Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR) and Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL). These green crackers release water vapor and/or air as a dust suppressant and diluent for gaseous emissions and have performance in sound matching that of conventional crackers.
The Harit Diwali Swasth Diwali campaign, which promotes a green and healthy Diwali, aligns well with this innovative solution. This campaign encourages people to celebrate the festival in an environmentally conscious manner, emphasizing the importance of public health along with festivities.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024