GREEN FIRECRACKERS

1. Context

In 2023, the Supreme Court clarified that its order banning the use of barium and banned chemicals in firecrackers are applicable not just to the National Capital Region but to the entire country. The Delhi government has also ordered a complete ban on firecrackers until January 1, 2025.

2. Green Crackers

Green crackers are environmentally friendly fireworks designed to produce reduced emissions, less noise, and minimal pollutants compared to traditional firecrackers. They were introduced as part of efforts to mitigate air and noise pollution during festive seasons, especially Diwali in India, and to address environmental and health concerns associated with conventional crackers.

Key Features of Green Crackers

Reduced Emissions: Green crackers emit about 30-35% less particulate matter and reduce harmful pollutants like sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to conventional crackers.
Chemical Formulation: They contain safer chemicals and are free of harmful compounds like barium nitrate, a common pollutant in traditional crackers.
Reduced Noise Levels: Green crackers adhere to permissible noise limits (under 125 decibels), designed to prevent noise pollution.
Use of Alternative Fuels: Many green crackers are developed using eco-friendly alternatives, like biodegradable and recycled materials.
Distinct Labeling: These crackers carry a green logo and QR code to confirm authenticity, allowing users to verify their environmental compliance.

Types of Green Crackers

The following are some variants of green crackers developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India:

Safe Water Releaser (SWAS): Releases water vapor to suppress dust.
Safe Minimal Aluminum (SAFAL): Contains minimal use of aluminum.
Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR): Emits fewer pollutants and safer particulates.

3. Impact of ban on firecrackers

A study by researchers from Delhi Technological University (DTU), published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health under the title Are Delhi residents exposed to lesser particle number concentration due to the firework ban in the city?, indicates that banning fireworks could cut certain nanoparticle emissions by 20-22%.
The study assessed air quality levels before and after firecracker bans during Diwali celebrations in 2021 and 2022 in Delhi.
On Diwali in 2021, inhalable nanoparticle levels reached about 9.73 million particles, whereas Diwali 2022 saw a reduced concentration of around 8.12 million. This amounted to a reduction of about 1.6 million particles inhaled on Diwali, representing an 18% decrease from the prior year.
Due to their minute size, these nanoparticle pollutants can penetrate skin and blood vessels, posing severe health risks, especially for children and the elderly. Exposure to these particles is associated with increased risks of stroke, hypertension, and heart attacks, the study highlighted.
Additionally, research by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) revealed that local sources, particularly transportation, significantly contribute to worsening air quality in Delhi leading up to Diwali.
CSE’s analysis of hourly travel times on 25 Delhi roads, from September 15 to October 29 using Google Maps data, found a strong link between vehicle numbers, NOx levels, and traffic congestion, with the most severe congestion recorded on the weekend before Diwali (October 27)

Conventional crackers
Colour	Compounds
White colour	Aluminium, Magnesium, and Titanium
Yellow Colour	Sodium compounds
Blue Colour	Copper compounds
Red Colour	Strontium carbonates
Green Colour	Barium monochloride salts or Barium nitrate or Barium chlorate

4. Way Forward

The studies underscore the significant impact that both fireworks and local emissions, particularly from the transportation sector, have on Delhi’s air quality, especially around Diwali. The findings show that restrictions on firecrackers can meaningfully reduce inhalable nanoparticle pollution, which is crucial for public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. However, the broader issue of air quality requires addressing year-round contributors such as vehicle emissions, as evidenced by the CSE study linking traffic congestion and NOx levels. For sustainable improvement in Delhi’s air quality, a combined strategy that includes emission control from local sources, traffic management, and regulated festivities could play a transformative role in mitigating pollution and protecting public health

Source: Indianexpress

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GREEN FIRECRACKERS

Key Features of Green Crackers

Types of Green Crackers

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