Eco-Friendly Crackers for this Diwali, will you try them?

Guwahati: With Diwali, the festival of lights around, scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have developed "environment-friendly" firecrackers.

Talking in this regard, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday said that these "environment-friendly" firecrackers produce 30-35 per cent less particulate matter, said Monday. These crackers, however, are unlikely to be produced this Diwali, he said in response to a question.

During a press conference, Vardhan said that these crackers have been named as safe water releaser (SWAS), safe minimal aluminium (SAFAL) and safe thermite cracker (STAR). They have a unique property of releasing water vapour or air as a dust suppressant and diluent for gaseous emissions, and they match in sound with conventional firecrackers, the minister added.

As per reports, SWAS crackers eliminate the use of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and sulphur with a consequent reduction in particulate matter by 30-35 per cent. They match the intensity of the sound of commercial crackers in the range of 105-110 decibels. STAR eliminates usage of potassium nitrate and sulphur with a consequent reduction in particulate matter by 35-40 per cent. It matches the sound intensity of commercial crackers in the range of 105-110 decibels. Whereas, SAFAL has minimal usage of aluminium (only in flash powder for initiation) with a consequent significant reduction in a particulate matter of 35-40 per cent compared to the commercial crackers.

The minister highlighted that the Indian fireworks industry has an annual turnover of over Rs 6000 crore and provides employment opportunities to over 5 lakh families directly or indirectly.

He further said that this endeavour of the CSIR is aimed at addressing pollution concerns and at the same time protecting the livelihoods of those involved in this trade.

Vardhan also mentioned that firecracker manufacturers took a keen interest in the entire process with the laboratories and the new crackers would not require changes in their manufacturing facilities.

It needs to be mentioned that "For the first time in India, an emission testing facility has been established at CSIR-NEERI and extensive testing is in progress for conventional and green crackers for monitoring the emissions and sound," Minister Harsh Vardhan further stated. This facility uses sophisticated instruments for measurement and sampling when firecrackers are used, he added.

It may be noted that every Diwali, there is a rise in the pollution level and firecrackers are a major contributor. Hence, this endeavour is expected to bring the required change and create a safe and healthy environment.

Also Read: Supreme Court Permits to Burn Crackers on Diwali Only between 8 PM-10 PM