Introduction
Green Firecrackers and Pollution Control: The Supreme Court recently approved the manufacturing and sale of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. This move aims to tackle severe air pollution caused by conventional firecrackers during festivals. Green firecrackers are designed to emit fewer harmful chemicals while maintaining celebratory functions.
What Are Green Firecrackers
Green firecrackers are eco-friendly alternatives that reduce air pollution significantly. Unlike traditional firecrackers, they do not contain barium compounds, which are primarily used to produce green flames. Their composition includes flower pots, pencils, sparklers, maroons, bombs, and chakkars, but with minimal Thermite and reduced Aluminium content.
Static GK fact: The first green firecracker technology was developed by CSIR-NEERI (Central Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) in Nagpur.
Benefits of Green Firecrackers
Green firecrackers reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30% compared to conventional firecrackers. They use Potassium Nitrate as an oxidant, which minimizes harmful smoke release. The design ensures that celebrations can continue without severely compromising air quality.
Static GK Tip: Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) is the primary pollutant contributing to smog during Diwali in Delhi-NCR.
Identification and Certification
Green firecrackers are identifiable by the CSIR-NEERI logo, ensuring they meet strict environmental standards. Certification guarantees that these firecrackers comply with reduced chemical usage, ensuring safer air quality during festivals. The government encourages the use of certified green crackers to promote sustainable celebration practices.
Static GK fact: CSIR-NEERI is a premier research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in 1958, focusing on environmental science and engineering.
Implementation Challenges
Despite the Supreme Court’s approval, the enforcement of green firecrackers faces challenges such as public awareness, affordability, and monitoring of certified products. Authorities are coordinating with manufacturers to ensure large-scale adoption while reducing illegal firecracker sales.
Static GK Tip: Delhi has historically recorded one of the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) levels during Diwali due to conventional firecracker use.
Conclusion
The approval of green firecrackers marks a significant step toward controlling festival-related air pollution. By adopting certified firecrackers with reduced chemical content, the government and public can work together to maintain healthier air quality, especially in urban regions like Delhi-NCR.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Green Firecrackers and Pollution Control:
| Topic | Detail |
| Supreme Court Decision | Approved manufacturing and sale of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR |
| Purpose | Reduce air pollution from conventional firecrackers |
| Composition | Flower pots, pencils, sparklers, maroons, bombs, chakkars; low Thermite; minimal Aluminium |
| Harmful Chemicals | Do not contain barium |
| Emission Reduction | At least 30% reduction in particulate matter |
| Oxidant Used | Potassium Nitrate |
| Certification | CSIR NEERI Logo |
| Benefits | Safer air quality during festivals |
| Challenges | Public awareness, affordability, monitoring certified products |
| Static GK Fact | CSIR-NEERI established in 1958, focuses on environmental science |
