Source: IE
Context: As Diwali approaches, discussions around the environmental impact of fireworks have resurfaced, with experts highlighting that green crackers—though less polluting—are not entirely clean.
About Green Crackers:
What it is?
- Green crackers are eco-modified firecrackers developed by CSIR–NEERI to reduce emissions of particulate matter, toxic gases, and noise levels compared to conventional fireworks. They aim to provide a safer alternative that maintains festivity while minimizing pollution.
Chemical Components: They are formulated without barium nitrate, a major toxic component, and instead use safer substitutes like potassium nitrate, strontium salts, zeolite, and iron oxide. These additives help capture soot and reduce metallic residues such as aluminium and copper in emissions.
How it works?
- The redesigned chemical composition enables controlled oxidation and reduced combustion temperature, producing light and sound with 30–40% lower PM₂.₅, SO₂, and NOₓ emissions.
- Compounds like zeolite act as absorbents for dust and gaseous by-products, limiting pollutant release.
Features:
- Developed under the CSIR–NEERI certification system with a QR code for authenticity.
- Include variants such as SWAS (Safe Water Releaser), STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker), and SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium).
- Reduce harmful metal oxides and heavy metal toxicity.
- Comply with Supreme Court-mandated emission limits and Pollution Control Board norms.
- Designed to maintain traditional colours and brightness with safer chemistry.
Significance:
- Green crackers represent a transitional innovation toward sustainable celebrations, reducing air, soil, and noise pollution during festivals.
- They align with India’s net-zero and clean air goals, making the country the only nation with a formal government-backed programme
