A severe disagreement between two key central government institutions over the commercial production of next-generation low-emission firecrackers has reached the Supreme Court of India. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) have taken opposing stances regarding the inclusion of barium nitrate in green firecrackers. Consequent to this inter-agency deadlock, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has submitted an affidavit asking the apex court to make the conclusive decision on whether these firecrackers can be manufactured and sold commercially.
The Catalyst Behind the Inter-Agency Conflict
Green firecrackers were introduced across the country as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pyrotechnics. The central government mandated CSIR-NEERI to engineer innovative formulations capable of reducing overall pollution levels by more than 50 percent. In its research report, CSIR-NEERI asserted that its novel chemical blends decreased air pollution levels by 40 to 60 percent, alongside cutting PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter emissions by 45 to 60 percent. Based on these findings, CSIR-NEERI recommended the commercial manufacturing of light-emission firecrackers such as flowerpots, sparklers, chakkars, pencils, twinkling stars, and their hybrid variants. Furthermore, the institute supported the production of joined crackers or 'laddis', which were previously banned by the judiciary, citing data that showed a 30 percent decline in particulate matter emissions and a 32 percent reduction in solid waste generation.
Industry Adoption and Regulatory Approvals
Relying on the scientific guidelines issued by CSIR-NEERI, the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) created modified formulations by lowering the concentration of barium salt and barium nitrate and substituting them with alternative oxidizers. Subsequently, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for these revised compositions. This regulatory green light permitted green firecrackers to enter the commercial market over the past few years, making them widely available to consumers during festive celebrations like Diwali.
CPCB Cites Violation of Judicial Directives
The Central Pollution Control Board has raised strong objections to the ongoing use of barium compounds, categorizing barium nitrate as a major pollutant. CPCB emphasized that the Supreme Court, in its order dated October 23, 2018, explicitly prohibited the inclusion of barium salts in firecracker manufacturing. The pollution control authority argued that allowing any formulation containing barium compounds, regardless of reduced quantities, directly violates the court's explicit ban. Additionally, CPCB pointed out that CSIR-NEERI failed to compare its reduced emission levels against completely barium-free firecrackers or superior low-emission alternatives. Consequently, CPCB maintained that claims regarding the reduced environmental impact of these green firecrackers remain incomplete and inconclusive.
Environment Ministry Defers Decision to Apex Court
Confronted with conflicting viewpoints from its two specialized bodies, the Union Environment Ministry refrained from taking an independent administrative stance. Instead, the ministry submitted a comprehensive affidavit to the Supreme Court detailing the dispute. By leaving the ultimate determination on commercial production in the hands of the top court, the ministry has set the stage for a judicial ruling that will decide whether citizens will be allowed to purchase and burst green firecrackers during the upcoming festive season.
