Low Awareness of Green Crackers Amid Diwali Sales in Nagpur
Despite the Supreme Court's directive, knowledge about green firecrackers remains minimal among retailers and consumers in Nagpur.
Supreme Court allows only green crackers for Diwali.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation issued 888 stall permits this year.
Many firecrackers lack proper certification and QR codes.
As Diwali approaches, the Supreme Court of India has mandated the use of only green firecrackers this year, yet awareness regarding these eco-friendly options is alarmingly low among both retailers and consumers in Nagpur. This lack of knowledge is contributing to the proliferation of counterfeit green firecrackers in local markets.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has issued a record 888 permits for stalls selling firecrackers this season. However, during a recent market survey, it was found that very few retailers were familiar with the specifications and certifications required for genuine green firecrackers. This gap in awareness extends to the general public, who are often unable to distinguish between authentic and spurious products.
Green firecrackers, developed by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) in Nagpur, are supposed to carry certifications from both CSIR-NEERI and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), along with a QR code for verification. Unfortunately, many products on the market display the CSIR-NEERI logo but lack the necessary PESO certification, registration numbers, or functional QR codes. This situation allows counterfeit products to mislead consumers, as they may falsely appear to meet regulatory standards.
The genuine green firecrackers are designed to be more environmentally friendly, featuring smaller shell sizes and reduced toxic materials compared to traditional firecrackers. Regular firecrackers typically contain harmful chemicals like potassium nitrate and barium nitrate, whereas the formulations for green firecrackers incorporate materials that suppress dust and emissions, such as zeolite and iron oxide. Testing has shown that these new formulations can achieve a 30-40% reduction in particulate matter and gas emissions, making them a more sustainable choice.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for both consumers and retailers to enhance their understanding of green firecrackers. Increased awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of certification requirements could help mitigate the sale of counterfeit products, ensuring that the public can safely enjoy a greener Diwali celebration.
