Pollution-conscious govt sets 8 pm-10 pm limit even for green crackers
BENGALURU:
On the eve of Deepavali, the state government has decided to educate the general public on the distinct difference between ‘green’ firecrackers and the traditional ear-splitting and polluting kind.
To make the festivities even safer and cleaner, the government has stipulated a period of 2 hours, between 8 pm and 10 pm, for bursting ‘green’ crackers.
It may be recalled that Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa recently amended his earlier directive banning all kinds of crackers and gave the ‘green signal’ for the eco-friendly crackers.
Less polluting, less noisy
According to a press release by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), “In green crackers, harmful chemicals such as aluminium, barium, potassium nitrate and free carbon are eliminated or decreased, reducing air pollution and noise levels considerably. It is established that green crackers emit 30% less particulate matter and noise levels are below 125 decibels when compared to conventional firecrackers.”
The press release says manufacture of green crackers is as per the formulation developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), while product approval has been given by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).
The public have been informed that green crackers can be identified by the distinctive green logo of CSIR-NEERI and PESO, as well as by a Quick Response (QR) code printed on the packaging.
Any additional information on green crackers can be obtained on www.kspcb.gov.in
Members of the public can file a complaint with the concerned District Magistrate’s office if vendors are found selling crackers other than the ‘green’ ones.
Sparklers, flowerpots
A press note by Anjum Parwez, Principal Secretary, Revenue, reiterates the characteristics of green crackers and how to distinguish them from other, banned fireworks. It says green fireworks are available as sparklers, flowerpots and maroons.
