Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: Diwali, the festival that brings the warmth of light and joyful spirits, is swiftly approaching, and people are already immersed in preparations, encompassing everything from tidying up their homes to acquiring new attire. Diwali, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is commemorated with immense grandeur and fervor throughout India.
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This year, the Festival of Lights will be celebrated with exuberance on Sunday, November 12, signifying the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair, and good over evil. Traditionally, the celebration involves adorning homes with radiant lights and diyas, crafting intricate rangolis, donning new garments, performing puja, and igniting fireworks and crackers to illuminate the skies.
While reveling in the merriment of bursting crackers can be entertaining, growing environmental apprehensions and the detrimental consequences of traditional crackers on escalating pollution levels have prompted contemplation of the ecological impact. Many regions now advocate for eco-friendly and noiseless Diwali festivities to diminish air and noise pollution. For those who still wish to partake in the joy of fireworks, the emergence of green and eco-friendly crackers presents a promising alternative.
What are green crackers, precisely?
Green crackers are defined by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR NEERI) as firecrackers that feature smaller casings, lack residual ash, and incorporate additives like dust suppressants to curtail emissions, primarily particulate matter. Distinguished by their absence of barium compounds, the elements responsible for their characteristic green hue, green crackers mitigate air pollution and noise disturbances. The act of igniting green crackers yields water vapor, a gentler emission compared to the dust generated by conventional firecrackers. This results in a sound level ranging from 110 to 125 decibels, significantly quieter than the conventional counterparts, which can reach approximately 160 decibels, translating to nearly 30% less noise.
Identifying Green Crackers:
Green crackers bear a distinct green logo signifying approval from CSIR-NEERI and PESO, accompanied by a Quick Response (QR) code for verification. These eco-friendly fireworks come in three distinct categories:
SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): Designed to release water vapor, it reduces dust emissions, contains no sulphur or potassium nitrate, and emits 30% less particulate matter.
STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Free from potassium nitrate and sulphur, it emits lower levels of particulate matter and generates reduced sound intensity.
SAFAL: Boasting reduced aluminium content and heightened magnesium usage, SAFAL produces lower noise levels compared to conventional firecrackers.
In addition to categorization, it is recommended to purchase green crackers from authorized vendors rather than street-side sellers. When igniting these crackers, individuals are advised to use a long candle or phooljhari, holding them at arm's length with extended elbows to increase the distance between their body and the cracker, ensuring safety.
