‘Banned chemical’: CPCB red-flags new ‘green’ crackers

NEW DELHI: There is no unanimity on allowing commercial production of next-generation green firecrackers in the country, with two govt organisations taking contradictory stands in Supreme Court.Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) has approved the new formulations, stating that they reduce pollution levels by 40-60%. In contrast, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has objected, arguing that these crackers still contain barium nitrate - a chemical banned by the SC - and, therefore, cannot be permitted.The Centre had asked CSIR-NEERI to develop green/low-emission fireworks with pollution reduction of more than 50% in association with fireworks manufacturers. Thereafter, Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers' Association (TANFAMA) devised new-generation fireworks formulations with reduced quantity of barium salts/nitrates in combination with other oxidisers for particulate emission reduction of more than 50%.As per the CSIR-NEERI report, emission reductions achieved for PM10 and PM2.5 were between 45% and 60%, and recommended that these formulations for light-emission fireworks, such as flowerpots, sparklers, chakkars, pencils and twinkling stars and their hybrids, may be considered for commercial production. It also approved manufacture of joined crackers, known as 'ladis', which have been banned as per the court's order. The report said there was a reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions by approximately 30% and a reduction in solid waste generation by up to 32% for joined crackers.Responding to the CSIR-NEERI report, CPCB raised objection on how barium nitrate could be used in crackers as it was banned by the apex court and allowing their production would be in violation of the court's order. "This court, vide order dated Oct 23, 2018, has expressly banned the use of barium salts in firecrackers and, therefore, any formulation involving barium compounds, even in reduced quantities, is in contravention of the said order," the board said."The reported reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 levels has not been comparatively assessed with (i) improved low-emission crackers and (ii) green crackers formulated entirely without barium, rendering the claim incomplete and inconclusive," it further said.Caught between contradictory stands taken by two expert bodies, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change filed an affidavit bringing it to the apex court's notice and left it to the SC to take a decision on the issue. It also informed the court that the composition of new-generation firecrackers was sent to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), which is the regulatory body for explosive substances, and it had given a no-objection certificate to the new formulation of firecrackers.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.