Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
India's Supreme Court clarified its order on November 7, to ban firecrackers across the nation, specifying that the ban on firecrackers filled with barium and other banned chemicals extends beyond the National Capital Region
The clarification was provided by a bench consisting of Justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh during a hearing on an application seeking compliance with the ban in Rajasthan. The bench emphasised that existing orders on minimising air and noise pollution during festivals apply nationwide
In October 2018, the Supreme Court banned the sale and production of all firecrackers except 'green crackers,' those with reduced emissions, or improved formulations. The court prohibited 'joined crackers' and the use of barium salts in firecrackers, emphasising that noise levels must remain within permissible limits
The court reiterated its stance in an order issued on October 29, 2021, rejecting a plea from the firecracker manufacturers' association to allow joined crackers and the addition of barium salt to green crackers
The National Green Tribunal had previously banned the use and sale of all firecrackers in the National Capital Region in 2020. Green crackers were only permitted in areas with poor or moderate air quality
Typically, firecrackers are made with four main ingredients: colouring agents, fuel, oxidiser, and binder. Barium and other banned chemicals were prohibited due to their harmful impact on human health, causing allergies, respiratory issues, and even cancer
Aluminium, magnesium, and titanium emit white colour, while carbon or iron emit orange. Sodium compounds produce yellow, copper compounds emit blue, and strontium carbonates emit red. Barium compounds are responsible for the green colour
Green crackers are named for not containing harmful chemicals causing air pollution. These crackers, in three categories - SWAS, SAFAL, and STAR - emit water vapour, act as a dust suppressant, and release less-harmful chemicals, reducing pollution
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research's labs researched and produced green crackers, replacing harmful components with less dangerous alternatives. SWAS releases water vapour, STAR is a safe thermite cracker, and SAFAL minimises the use of aluminium, emitting less noise compared to traditional crackers
The Supreme Court's orders come ahead of Diwali celebrations on November 12, raising awareness about permitted firecrackers and emphasising measures to minimise air and noise pollution during the festival season