CPCB advocate on firecrackers: In view of the increasing pollution across the country, the Supreme Court has banned the burning of traditional firecrackers. If you live in a state where firecrackers are banned, green crackers can help you enjoy the festivities without violating the ban. Some states have also implemented time-tables for burning these green crackers.
But what exactly is a green cracker and why did the Supreme Court pass this order?
In a conversation with ABP News, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) lawyer Vijay Panjwani answered the above questions and also told about the future of these electronic firecrackers in India.
Know why the Supreme Court gave this order:
Advocate Vijay Panjwani said that crackers were initially banned to tackle child labour, but later the issue of tackling pollution was taken up. “Chemistry like barium, aluminum and sulfur are used for light, color and sound in firecrackers, which cause a lot of pollution,” he said.
In an effort to reduce air pollution, the Supreme Court ordered firecracker manufacturers to reduce the amount of barium, sulfur and other hazardous chemicals in their products. Lawyers representing these companies had opposed the order. However, the Supreme Court stuck to its decision and gave them the option of manufacturing only these green firecrackers.
According to CPCB’s lawyer Vijay Panjwani, the organization named Niri has developed a formula that is less polluting, yet produces the same sound and visual effect as regular firecrackers. However, he also pointed out that as per the Supreme Court order, firecrackers can be lit only in areas with air quality index at ‘poor’ or ‘better’ level. In areas where the AQI is worse than ‘poor’, there is a need for a complete ban on firecrackers.
What are green crackers?
CPCB’s counsel Vijay Panjwani submitted that green crackers are superior to conventional crackers when it comes to pollution, as they use barium, aluminum and sulphur in very less quantity. The Supreme Court has given special guidelines regarding the use of barium in firecrackers.
Due to less use of chemicals in green crackers, the possibility of pollution is also reduced significantly. Green Crackers takes care of Particulate Matter (PM), which helps in reducing pollution without reducing the sound effect of these crackers. The sound of such firecrackers cannot exceed 125dB.
How to identify green firecrackers?
According to the order of the court, it is mandatory to put green label and QR code on the packet of green crackers. This has been done to make it easier for the concerned authorities to check the authenticity and details of these green firecrackers by scanning the QR code using a smartphone or computer. The QR code helps officials identify fake green firecrackers, which can be sent to laboratories for further testing.
The main part of this investigation was described as the noise test, where the sound of authentic green crackers should not exceed 125dB. According to CPCB counsel Vijay Panjwani, a large number of regular crackers were sold masquerading as green crackers with the help of fake QR codes. Now the big challenge before the officials is to make the vendors and the people follow the rules.
Government orders ban on firecrackers in Delhi
CPCB counsel Vijay Panjwani said, “Delhi Pollution Control Board had banned firecrackers in Delhi even before the Supreme Court order. The Delhi government has already banned the sale and purchase of all firecrackers, including green crackers.
Advocate Vijay Panjwani said, “In Delhi, a city, which has a population of around 20 million, it is very difficult to ensure that orders are fully followed.” Delhiites paid around Rs. Illegally purchased crackers worth Rs 5,000 crore every year.
CPCB’s lawyer Vijay Panjwani said on electronic firecrackers:
Panjwani also spoke on the design of the next generation of firecrackers. He said that we may get to see electronic firecrackers in future. These crackers will give the same sound and visual effect without any smoke or pollution. These will help in reducing pollution on a large scale without compromising on the fun of firecrackers.
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