The Supreme Court of India has recently made a significant move to combat the escalating issue of air pollution in the country. In a key clarification aimed at checking pollution, the Supreme Court has stated that its 2021 order allowing only the use of green firecrackers will apply not just to Delhi-NCR but across the country.
What are green firecrackers?
Green crackers are environmentally friendly fireworks that aim to reduce the air pollution caused by traditional firecrackers. They have been developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), a CSIR lab.
These green crackers do not contain harmful components that can be detrimental to the environment. They are expected to cause at least 30% less air pollution in comparison to the traditional firecrackers. To differentiate green crackers from the regular ones, a system of Quick Response (QR) coding has been developed.
The main types of green crackers are based on three categories:
Safe Water Releaser (SWAS): It releases water vapor into the atmosphere to reduce dust. It emits 30% less particulate matter and does not contain sulfur or potassium nitrate.
Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR): Contains no potassium nitrate or sulfur, emits less particulate matter, and reduces sound intensity.
Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL): These green crackers can be identified by the distinctive green color logo of CSIR-NEERI and PESO and a Quick Response (QR) code. The manufacturing cost of these crackers will almost be the same, or may even cost less than the traditional crackers.
Are green firecrackers available in the market?
Yes, green firecrackers are available in the market. However, recent tests conducted by NGO Awaaz Foundation found that many of the so-called ‘green crackers’ available in local markets contained banned chemical contents. Many brands labeled as ‘green’ were found to not be as benign as claimed. Therefore, it's important to ensure that the green crackers you purchase are genuine and meet the required safety and environmental standards. They can be identified by the distinctive green color logo of CSIR-NEERI and PESO and a Quick Response (QR) code.
The Ban on Polluting Firecrackers
The Supreme Court's decision to ban firecrackers that contain barium salts and other dangerous chemicals is applicable to the whole country. This decision was made in light of the worsening air conditions in the country. The court has emphasized that the ban is not on all firecrackers, but specifically on those that contribute significantly to air pollution.
The Impact of the Ban
The ban on polluting firecrackers is expected to have a significant impact on reducing air pollution levels across the country. Firecrackers are a major source of air pollution, especially during the festive season. The harmful chemicals released by these firecrackers not only contribute to air pollution but are also hazardous to health.
The Role of the Public
The Supreme Court has also highlighted the role of the public in curbing pollution. The court observed that children these days don't burst fireworks "these days" and it's the adults who do it, and also said that protecting the environment was everybody's duty. This emphasizes the need for public awareness and responsibility in tackling the issue of pollution.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court's decision to ban polluting firecrackers across the country is a significant step towards a greener and healthier future. It is a reminder that every individual has a role to play in protecting the environment. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to take steps to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices.
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