Deepavali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings with it concerns about environmental pollution due to firecrackers. In Bengaluru, there’s a significant drive by government agencies and conscious citizens to ensure the sale and use of green firecrackers during Deepavali 2023.

This initiative aims to reduce air and noise pollution without dampening the festive spirit.

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Introduction to Green Firecrackers

In 2018, scientists at CSIR-NEERI made green firecrackers. These firecrackers are good for the environment because they don’t pollute the air or make a lot of noise like regular firecrackers do. They created them because people were concerned about the harm regular firecrackers do to our surroundings.

CSIR-NEERI is short for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. This group works on ideas to keep our environment clean and safe. You can think of them as science helpers who make sure the air we breathe and the water we use are healthy for everyone.

Special firecrackers, SWAS, SAFAL, and STAR.

• SWAS stands for “Safe Water Releaser.” Imagine this firecracker as a friend to the air. When it bursts, it releases something like water mist into the air, which helps to keep the air cleaner.
• SAFAL means “Safe Minimal Aluminium.” This one is like a quiet firecracker. It doesn’t use much of a metal called aluminium, which helps it make less noise. So, it’s not as loud as other firecrackers, and that’s good for our ears and animals too.
• STAR stands for “Safe Thermite Cracker.” This firecracker is special because it’s made in a way that doesn’t put much smoke into the air, and it’s also not very noisy.

So, SWAS, SAFAL, and STAR are like gentle firecrackers that help keep our environment clean and quiet while we celebrate!

Key Features and Benefits

Green firecrackers, such as SWAS, SAFAL, and STAR, have several key features:

1. Eco-Friendly Composition: They are made with reduced shell sizes, no ash, and less raw material. This design significantly reduces particulate matter emissions.
2. No Harmful Barium Compounds: Traditional firecrackers often contain barium, which contributes to air and noise pollution. Green firecrackers do not have barium, making them safer for the environment.
3. Lower Noise Levels: They generate noise between 110 to 125 decibels, about 30% less than traditional firecrackers.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: These firecrackers are 15-20% cheaper than conventional ones, making them accessible to more people.
5. Supporting Livelihoods: The Indian fireworks industry makes more than ₹6,000 crore every year and gives jobs to over 5 lakh families. Green firecrackers help reduce pollution and keep these jobs safe.

Identifying Green Firecrackers

Recognizing green firecrackers is straightforward. They carry the distinctive green logo of CSIR-NEERI and PESO, along with a Quick Response (QR) code. There are three main types:

• SWAS: Releases water vapor to minimize dust.
• STAR: Reduces particulate matter emissions and sound levels.
• SAFAL: Uses less aluminum, resulting in reduced noise.

PESO, or the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization, is a team that makes sure oil and fireworks are safe. In our story about green firecrackers, they check to make sure these firecrackers are safe for the environment and for people during festivals like Deepavali. You should buy these firecrackers from stores that are allowed to sell them, so you know they are real and safe.

Government’s Role and Regulations

In response to various accidents and the growing concern over environmental pollution, the Karnataka government has taken strict measures to regulate the sale and use of firecrackers:

• Only green firecrackers are allowed to be sold in the state.
• There’s a ban on bursting conventional firecrackers during public events.
• Vendors must renew their licenses annually, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Public Involvement and Awareness

Citizen activists in Bengaluru have played a crucial role in promoting the use of green firecrackers. They have urged the government to ban non-green firecrackers and to monitor sales closely. Their efforts have been aimed at increasing public awareness about the environmental impact of regular firecrackers and the benefits of green alternatives.

Enforcement by Authorities

The BBMP and police department in Bengaluru are actively involved in enforcing the regulations. They identify and penalize vendors selling non-green firecrackers, ensuring compliance with the government’s guidelines.

Final Thoughts

As Deepavali 2023 approaches, the emphasis on green firecrackers in Bengaluru highlights a balance between celebration and environmental responsibility. This initiative not only helps in reducing pollution but also demonstrates the role of community involvement and government regulation in fostering sustainable practices.

By choosing green firecrackers, citizens can enjoy the festive season while contributing to a cleaner and safer environment.

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