This year too, only green crackers to be sold

HYDERABAD: After eco-friendly Ganesha, only green firecrackers will be sold in the state for Diwali, in accordance with the Supreme Court (SC) orders prohibiting the use of synthetic crackers in 2021.

Unlike previous years, all licenced dealers had restricted the manufacture of synthetic firecrackers, though the possibility of illegal sale of banned crackers by dealers cannot be ruled out.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Telangana Fire Workers Dealers Association (TFWDA) president K. Venugopal said, “We are manufacturing green firecrackers based on the new formula given by NEERI. Only green firecrackers are going to be on sale.” Green firecrackers, he claims, will reduce pollution by 30% and are less dangerous because they are free of harmful chemicals. There will be green flower pots, ground chakras, sky shots, and pencils available. The green crackers are expected to cost 50 per cent to 60 per cent more than the standard crackers. Venugopal stated that the raw material for green crackers was 40% to 50% more expensive than synthetic crackers, which would raise the sale price.

"People usually have a budget and stick to it, even if it means buying fewer crackers. Sales will suffer as prices rise this year. Additionally, increased GST and transportation costs are going to impact turnover," he added. The Pollution Control Board (PCB) announced that it had prohibited the use of traditional synthetic firecrackers for the previous two years and would do so again this year.

"We will continue to follow the guidelines based on the Supreme Court orders on the use of green firecrackers. We typically conduct the monitoring during Diwali to keep track of the levels of air and noise pollution. In recent years, cracker bursting has decreased dramatically, possibly due to the Covid-19 lockdown, price increase and also due to increased public awareness of environmental issues." The PCB also stated that the restrictions on the use of firecrackers until 10 pm will be maintained in order to prevent noise and pollution.

What are green firecrackers?

>>> Low-emission crackers, free of harmful chemicals such as sulphur, nitrates, arsenic, magnesium, sodium, lead, and barium, which reduce the emission of up to 30%

>>> Emit noise in the range of 100-130 deciBels

>>> Come with a green logo and Quick Response (QR) code to differentiate from conventional firecrackers.

What are conventional firecrackers?

>>> Composed of charcoal or thermite in combination with oxidizing agents such as nitrates or chlorates, sulfur agents, and coloring agents.

>>> Include salts of strontium, sodium, barium, calcium, and copper as well as white metals, which produce more particulate matter (PM).

>>> Emit sound between 160-200 deciBels.