As Diwali approaches, the city is witnessing a growing shift towards eco-friendly celebrations, with green crackers making their way into markets. Designed to reduce air and noise pollution, these environmentally conscious alternatives, introduced by CSIR-NEERI in 2018, are being hailed as a significant step toward a cleaner, safer festival.
Although green crackers are yet to gain widespread popularity, local markets are well-stocked this year, and environmentally aware citizens are showing increased interest. However, traditional firecrackers still dominate sales, as many customers seek the nostalgia and excitement associated with conventional fireworks. To cater to these preferences, some dealers continue to sell traditional crackers covertly.
“We’ve noticed an uptick in demand for green crackers,” shared firework dealer Vikas Chorge. “People are becoming more mindful of the environmental impact and are opting for a responsible choice.” Unlike conventional fireworks, green crackers use materials like potassium aluminum nitrate instead of magnesium and barium, resulting in fewer raw materials and smaller shells.
Nevertheless, traditional firecrackers remain a concern for pollution, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) already reaching “Poor” levels ahead of Diwali. The winter season often sees a spike in air pollution, and the festive season exacerbates the issue.
Hema Deshpande, Regional Officer of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in Nagpur, stated, “We recently tested various firecrackers on the market, and none exceeded permissible limits. Our teams are also monitoring local manufacturing units to ensure compliance.”
On the promotion of green crackers, Deshpande added, “Green crackers are a beneficial alternative, but local bodies need to advocate for their use to truly make an environmental impact.”