{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Supreme Court to Rule on Green Firecracker Production as Central Agencies Clash Over Barium Usage",
  "summary": "A clash between CPCB and CSIR-NEERI over the use of barium nitrate in green firecrackers has prompted the Environment Ministry to seek a final verdict from the Supreme Court.",
  "content": "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.\n\nThe Catalyst Behind the Inter-Agency Conflict\nGreen 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.\n\nIndustry Adoption and Regulatory Approvals\nRelying 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.\n\nCPCB Cites Violation of Judicial Directives\nThe 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.\n\nEnvironment Ministry Defers Decision to Apex Court\nConfronted 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.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• Across India: The Supreme Court's verdict will dictate the legal availability and use of firecrackers during upcoming festive seasons nationwide.\n• In Tamil Nadu: The fireworks manufacturing hub in Sivakasi and the livelihoods of factory workers will be directly impacted depending on the legal outcome regarding barium formulations.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What is the primary cause of the clash between CPCB and CSIR-NEERI?\nThe primary dispute is over the inclusion of barium nitrate in green firecrackers, which CPCB views as a major pollutant while CSIR-NEERI permitted its limited usage.\n\n2. When did the Supreme Court issue a ban on barium salts in firecrackers?\nThe Supreme Court explicitly prohibited the use of barium salts in firecrackers through its ruling on October 23, 2018.\n\n3. What reduction in pollution did CSIR-NEERI claim for green firecrackers?\nCSIR-NEERI claimed that its new formulation reduced air pollution levels by 40 to 60 percent and PM10 and PM2.5 emissions by 45 to 60 percent.\n\n4. Why does CPCB find CSIR-NEERI's testing report inconclusive?\nCPCB stated that CSIR-NEERI failed to compare emission reductions against completely barium-free crackers, rendering the results incomplete.\n\n5. What stance has the Union Environment Ministry taken on this issue?\nThe Union Environment Ministry filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, deferring the final decision on commercial production to the court.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/bihar/green-patakhon-men-barium-ke-istemala-para-kendra-ke-do-borda-bhire-aba-supreme-court-karega-antima-phaisala-10687",
  "category": "Bihar",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-27",
  "tags": [
    "Green Firecrackers",
    "Supreme Court",
    "CPCB",
    "CSIR NEERI",
    "Air Pollution",
    "Environment Ministry",
    "Diwali"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}