Amid scepticism, green crackers return, Pg4.

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court allowed 'green' crackers on a 'test basis' before Diwali, sparking debate on balancing tradition, public health, and livelihoods.
• Green crackers, developed by CSIR-NEERI, aim to reduce particulate and gas emissions by 30-40% and keep noise levels under 120 decibels.
• Experts raise concerns about the effectiveness and verification of green crackers, citing issues with enforcement and potential for increased overall emissions due to sheer volume.
• The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to improve air quality but does not measure ultrafine particles emitted by crackers.

Detailed Insights:

• The concept of green crackers emerged from a 2015 Supreme Court petition seeking protection from Delhi's toxic winter air.
• PESO is responsible for certifying green crackers, but illegal manufacture and sale of traditional fireworks persist.
• CSIR-NEERI is developing formulations to reduce emissions by up to 60%, but inconsistent testing methods pose a challenge.
• Experts suggest focusing on year-round pollution sources like vehicular emissions and construction dust, not just Diwali-related pollution.
• Some environmentalists propose establishing clean-air zones in schools and community spaces for vulnerable groups during the festival season.
• Concerns are raised about the lack of sustainable livelihoods for workers in the firecracker industry, where child labor is allegedly prevalent.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Green Crackers: Reduced-emission firecrackers developed by CSIR-NEERI to mitigate air pollution.
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Government initiative to improve air quality in cities, regions, and nationally.
• PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation): Agency responsible for certifying that green crackers meet safety and emission standards.