SC on crackers: Sivakasi traders to move court
REVIEW PLEA CHENNAI: Firecracker production hub in TN jittery as SC puts restrictions on manufacture, sale
Manufacturers in the country’s fireworks’ production hub in Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi are saying they will file a review petition challenging a ban on using certain chemicals for the production of firecrackers the Supreme Court imposed on Tuesday.
The court barred the use of barium nitrate and aluminium in all firecrackers while setting nationwide guidelines for the use and purchase of crackers during Diwali season to check air and noise pollution. Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TNFAMA) general secretary K Mariyappan called a review petition “necessary”.
“Around 40% of popular crackers and firework varieties (worth around ₹1,900 crore this year) have been manufactured using aluminium and barium nitrate,’’ he said.
He said the court banned barium nitrate and aluminium based on a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR) report that said magnesium should be used instead. “[We have] been asked to use magnesium and water. Our studies have shown that use of magnesium is harmful...,” he added.
Former Central Pollution Control Board’s air quality laboratory head D Saha said compounds like barium nitrate are used in crackers to emit green colour while aluminium for white and silver colours.
“They are not at all mandatory. Instead, the fumes they produce are toxic...”
“Whether it is the court or the government, changes are effected just days before Diwali, making life difficult for us,” he said, pointing out over 500,000 people in Sivakasi are dependent on the manufacturing industry. Fireworks dealers and traders say they have their own problems.
“About 90% of those engaged in crackers business have only temporary licenses. Though we submit applications for their renewal with the authorities in January, they clear them only a week before Diwali...,” said N Elangovan, general secretary of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Fire- Improved crackers are those where the use of ash as desiccant or fillers is avoided, and the usage of charcoal meets specifications of explosives and pyrotechnics as prescribed by PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation)
Green crackers are those with low sound and light emissions, with 30%-35% particulate matter reduction and a reductions in NOx (nitrogen oxides) as well as SO2 (sulfur dioxide). These, too, would be subject to approval by PESO Crackers already in stock would not be sold in Delhi-NCR if they do not fulfil the conditions specified for improved and green crackers It wasn’t clear if the SC ruling will extend beyond NCR this coming Diwali on November 7 Use of conjoined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) is banned as it causes air, noise and solid waste problems works Traders.
“The government claims to have stopped the entry of Chinese fireworks, the reality is different...”
Tamil Nadu Industries minister MC Sampath could not be reached for a comment but an official with the industries department said the government is taking measures to rectify some of these issues.
“We have advised the district administrations to give licenses without any delay. Further, we have controlled the entry of Chinese crackers to a large extent. If there are any complaints, we will take prompt action,” the official said on condition of anonymity. Compound Barium nitrate
Lithium Antimony sulfide Lead Mercury Environmental affects Poisonous. Fumes can irritate respiratory tract
Toxic and emits irritating fumes when burned Toxic smoke, possible carcinogen
Poses developmental risks to children and foetuses; may remain airborne for days
Toxic heavy metal; can bio-accumulate Twinkling sparkler contains barium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulphur and aluminium Gold sparkler contains barium nitrate, aluminium, iron Colour sparkler contains barium nitrate or strontium nitrate and aluminium Atom bomb contains barium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulphur and aluminium