A significant source of pollution during Diwali festivities can be linked to the widespread burning of firecrackers or fireworks. In an effort to mitigate environmental damage, Green Crackers have been introduced as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional firecrackers. This article delves into the nature, identification, and concerns associated with green crackers.
Understanding Green Crackers
Green crackers are a less damaging version of traditional firecrackers, designed to cause reduced air and noise pollution. The National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), spearheaded their development in 2018. The major difference between standard crackers and green crackers is the replacement of harmful ingredients with less polluting substances. These substitutions aim to lessen the intensity of noise and emissions caused by fireworks.
For instance, green crackers do not contain barium nitrate, a hazardous ingredient typically found in conventional firecrackers. Potassium nitrate and aluminium replace magnesium and barium in green crackers, reducing their negative impact on the environment.
Identifying Green Crackers
As of now, three types of green crackers – SWAS (Safe Water Releaser), STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker), and SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium) can be purchased. Each of these avoids using sulphur and potassium nitrate, replacing them with other elements and compounds to ensure they produce fewer pollutants and lower levels of noise. These variations of green crackers are exclusively manufactured by licensed producers that have received CSIR’s approval.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) certifies these crackers, ensuring that they are made without arsenic, mercury, or barium and that their noise levels are within acceptable bounds. A green logo and a QR code printed on the boxes differentiates green crackers from regular ones in stores.
About the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
Established in 1898, PESO operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industries. Its functions include regulating the safety of substances like explosives, compressed gases, and petroleum. The organisation’s head office is located in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Concerns Surrounding Green Crackers
Legal manufacturing of green crackers is limited to firms that have signed agreements with the CSIR, raising concerns about potential job losses among small-scale businesses and cottage industries. This restriction, along with a ban on traditional fireworks, could lead to increased unemployment.
Another issue is the lack of awareness among both sellers and customers about how to identify genuine green crackers. Experts advise caution when purchasing from street vendors due to possible credibility issues. Furthermore, a preference for traditional crackers persists among customers, often due to the unavailability or higher prices of green crackers.
Looking Ahead
To address these challenges, the government should consider legalising the production of green crackers by smaller manufacturers. Such a move would tackle the problem of scarcity while mitigating job losses. Additionally, efforts should be made to educate the public about the benefits of green crackers and how to confirm their authenticity.
