- SC seeks middle ground on firecracker use, no total ban.
- Considers CSIR-NEERI recommended next-generation green crackers for festivals.
- New crackers aim for reduced emissions, noise, and safety compliance.
Next-Generation Joined Green Crackers: Ahead of festivals, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would not impose a complete ban on firecrackers but would also not permit their use round the clock, observing that a total prohibition could hurt sentiments. Firecrackers add to pollution during festival season, particularly during the winter months when deteriorating air quality can push up AQI levels and create breathing problems.
Responding to the court, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted a note stating that a limited and conditional relaxation could be considered for specified “next-generation joined green crackers” recommended by CSIR-NEERI. Such crackers would have to comply with applicable noise, emission and safety requirements and meet other prescribed conditions.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale said a middle ground needed to be found by specifying the hours during which firecrackers could be used.
"We will make it very clear. Neither we are going to agree for total ban, nor are we going to allow them to do it (fireworks) for 24 hours a day. Total ban will affect sentiments. And allowing them throughout the day will have huge impact on every other living being including the old, sick and children.
"We need to find a solution by which we can give a specified time," the bench observed orally.
Bhati further submitted that the specified firecrackers may be permitted only if they are manufactured by duly licensed manufacturers, comply with the prescribed noise limit of 125 dB(AI)/145 dB(C) peak and do not contain banned chemicals.
The top court said it would consider the issue of the use of barium in firecrackers on October 15.
In a significant relaxation ahead of Diwali last year, the top court had permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region, subject to conditions aimed at balancing traditional celebrations with environmental and health concerns.
The court had specified that the use of green crackers would be allowed only during designated hours on the day before Diwali and on Diwali itself.
What are next-generation joined green crackers?
Next-generation joined green crackers are a newer category of linked fireworks designed to reduce emissions compared with conventional firecrackers. They use improved formulations and, in some cases, multiple fireworks are joined together so that different effects occur in sequence.
The category has been recommended by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), subject to prescribed noise, emission and safety standards.
here are some features:
->Designed to produce fewer harmful emissions than conventional firecrackers.
->Designed to generate less visible smoke during burning.
->Intended to keep noise levels within prescribed limits.
->Multiple fireworks can be connected to create a continuous sequence of effects.
->Aim to provide colours, flashes and other visual effects similar to traditional crackers while reducing emissions.