Green Crackers

Definition:
Green crackers are environmentally improved firecrackers developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR–NEERI).
They are designed to reduce emissions of harmful gases, particulate matter, and noise levels.
Objective:
To balance traditional festive celebrations with environmental safety and public health concerns.

⚗️ 2. Chemical Composition

Aspect	Conventional Crackers	Green Crackers
Key oxidizer	Barium nitrate (toxic)	Removed
Substitutes used	–	Potassium nitrate, strontium salts, iron oxide, zeolite
Heavy metals	Aluminium, copper (cause metallic smoke)	Reduced or replaced
Soot & residue	High	Lower due to zeolite and controlled combustion

Zeolite acts as an absorbent for particulate matter and toxic gases.
The controlled oxidation process reduces the formation of PM₂.₅, SO₂, and NOₓ.

🔬 3. How Do Green Crackers Work?

They use a modified combustion process with:
- Lower oxidation temperature
- Controlled release of energy and gases
This ensures:
- 30–40% reduction in emissions of PM₂.₅, SO₂, and NOₓ
- Lower noise levels (within permissible limits)
- Cleaner and safer smoke output

🔖 4. Variants of Green Crackers (Developed by CSIR–NEERI)

Variant	Full Form	Key Feature
SWAS	Safe Water Releaser	Releases water vapor & air as dust suppressants; no potassium nitrate or sulphur
STAR	Safe Thermite Cracker	Uses thermite reaction with reduced metal content
SAFAL	Safe Minimal Aluminium	Uses less aluminium to reduce sound intensity & metallic emissions

Each variant carries a QR code to verify authenticity and CSIR–NEERI certification.

📜 5. Legal & Regulatory Framework

Supreme Court (2018):
- Allowed only green crackers to be sold and used.
- Imposed time limits for bursting crackers during festivals.
Pollution Control Boards (CPCB/SPCB):
- Mandated emission compliance and labelling norms.
Monitoring:
- QR codes help trace manufacturers and prevent counterfeit products.

🌏 6. Environmental Significance

Air Pollution Reduction:
- 30–40% lower emissions of PM₂.₅, NOₓ, SO₂
- Reduced smog formation post-Diwali
Noise Pollution Control:
- Noise limited to 110–125 dB, as per CPCB norms
Health Benefits:
- Decreased respiratory issues, especially for children and elderly
Sustainability Link:
- Supports India’s Net Zero 2070 and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) goals
Economic Balance:
- Preserves livelihood of traditional fireworks manufacturers through eco-transition, rather than total ban

🇮🇳 7. India’s Global Role

India is the first and only country with a government-backed “Green Crackers” programme.
CSIR–NEERI’s model is being studied globally for sustainable pyrotechnics.

💡 8. Challenges & Limitations

Partial Pollution Reduction:
Green crackers are less polluting, not pollution-free.
Implementation Gaps:
- Limited public awareness
- Counterfeit products without NEERI certification
- Weak enforcement of sale & use restrictions
Testing & Availability:
- Limited testing infrastructure for small manufacturers

✅ 9. Way Forward

Strengthen certification and QR verification mechanisms.
Promote public awareness campaigns about safe use.
Encourage research into zero-emission fireworks.
Integrate green fireworks into Make in India and sustainable industry policies.

📘 10. UPSC Relevance

Exam Type	Possible Question
Prelims (Science & Environment)	“Green crackers” are developed by which institution? / Which of the following chemicals are absent in green crackers?
Mains (GS Paper 3)	Discuss the significance of green crackers in balancing cultural traditions with environmental protection.
Essay Paper	“Technology for Sustainable Celebrations: The Case of Green Crackers.”

🌐 Summary in Simple Terms

Green crackers are eco-friendly versions of fireworks made by CSIR–NEERI to cut down harmful emissions and noise.
They replace toxic chemicals like barium nitrate with safer compounds, emit 30–40% less pollution, and come with QR-coded certification.
Though not completely clean, they are a significant step toward sustainable festive traditions in India.