Environment experts, doctors welcome SC verdict on bursting firecrackers on Diwali

Environment and health experts welcomed the Supreme Court's order Tuesday on the sale and manufacture of low-emission "green" firecrackers, with some terming it as a "spectacular" decision and others saying it was time the society celebrated festive occasions "more responsibly".

The apex court, besides imposing decibel limits on firecrackers that could be sold in the market across the country, in its verdict also fixed a two-hour time period from 8 pm to 10 pm for bursting them on Diwali and other festivals.

D Saha, an environmental scientist who previously worked with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), welcomed the judgement and said the authorities would now have to ensure that the norms are adhered to more strictly, especially at the manufacturing level.

"As a society, we have been using firecrackers to celebrate occasions, from festivals to landmark days and weddings to grand events, but there is a much bigger cost involved, the damage the bursting causes to the environment and of course the health hazards. And, so we must behave more responsibly," he told PTI.

When asked how the decibel norms could be checked for compliance, Saha said there is an old organisation, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), which works on the regulation of public safety aspects related to explosive substances.

Set up in 1898, the PESO's objectives include ensuring public safety in the areas of manufacture, transport, storage, handling, of explosives, petroleum, carbide of calcium, inflammable substances and compressed gases.

The court, in its order, said that the permissible limit of sound and smoke will be approved by the PESO.

"The PESO already has a centre in Sivakasi (Tamil Nadu), home to some of India's largest fireworks manufacturer. And, since Diwali is approaching, the authorities would have to work quickly to ensure compliance," he said.

Other environmental experts also hailed the decision, saying anything that cuts emission level should be welcomed.

Gufran Beig of Centre-run System of the Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said use of 'green firecrackers' and restriction on timing of the use are good steps.

When asked what a 'green firecracker' is, he said, "Any such item which produces minimal toxicity and minimal fumes can be termed as a green firecracker."