Most find green, traditional crackers out of reach this Diwali

TIRUPATI: Despite Indian government taking steps towards promoting green firecrackers, their sales are miniscule; as they cost 30–50 percent more than conventional crackers. Moreover, there are only a few varieties of green crackers like fountain crackers, sparklers and small sky shots.

Those wanting a bang for their buck are thus preferring conventional crackers, as they are cheaper than green ones.

R. Guna Sekhar, who has been in cracker business for past three years, says public response to eco-friendly firecrackers is lukewarm. “The moment they hear the higher price, they go in for conventional firecrackers. Green crackers are no match for traditional ones, whose visual and audio output is much better and higher,” he Sekhar pointed out.

Green firecrackers are made using chemicals, instead of heavy metals like barium nitrate. However, due to the change in chemical composition, the power of green crackers is less than conventional ones. Further, there are not many varieties of green crackers. This, in a way, dampens the spirit of those who may want to go green.

However, bursting firecrackers, conventional or green, itself has become a costly affair. Compared to last year, prices of conventional crackers have risen by an average of 20–25 percent. Traders are attributing this to rise in prices of fuel, raw materials, production costs, labour shortage in firecracker manufacturing units and huge drop in production.

“I had purchased ₹6,000 worth crackers last year even though the prices had been high. But this year, the prices have skyrocketed, making them unaffordable. Crackers are important for Diwali. Literally, we are forced to spend a bag full of cash to buy a pocket full of crackers,” remarked Royal Rupan Krishnan, a private employee and resident of Tirupati.

According to cracker traders, prices of bare essentials like flower pots to sparklers have increased by ₹10 to ₹15 per item compared to last year. Colour flower pots, which sold for ₹230–270 per box last year, cost ₹335 per box this year. Deluxe flower pots, which sold for ₹380–420 per box last year, are now being sold for ₹540.

Points:

- Green crackers are 30–50 percent costlier, as raw materials used for their manufacture are costlier.

- Prices of traditional crackers themselves are higher by 20–25 percent this year.