Ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court has issued strict guidelines regarding the bursting of firecrackers. Considering the severe pollution caused by fireworks, specific time slots have been designated in areas like Delhi. To combat this environmental hazard, green crackers were introduced three years ago, yet a major lack of awareness persists today among both retailers and purchasers.
Current Market Realities
Markets are flooded with festive fireworks, and local administrations have designated specific zones for their sale, though compliance with regulations varies. The most glaring issue amidst this commercial activity is the total absence of awareness surrounding green crackers. Consumers browsing the markets have little idea what these eco-friendly alternatives actually are, and the shopkeepers selling them are equally uninformed. In several instances, scanning the QR codes printed on the boxes yields no useful information at all.
Understanding Green Crackers
Green crackers are manufactured with the specific objective of reducing environmental pollution through modifications that lower smoke and harmful emissions. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, operating under CSIR, has established the benchmark standards for these products. Categories within this framework include safe water releasers, safe thermite crackers, and safe minimal aluminium options. Notably, these formulations completely avoid the use of barium nitrate.
The Need for Administrative Action
Social activist Anoop Nautiyal, who actively monitors pollution surveys, emphasizes that genuine awareness can only emerge when the administration takes the initiative. He highlights the urgent requirement for dedicated campaigns so that the public becomes familiar with green crackers. At present, the concept of green crackers remains largely restricted to official paperwork, leaving ordinary citizens unaware of their existence or where to purchase them.
