No definition of green-firecrackers, too late to check: Environmentalists

While welcoming the Supreme Court's verdict on imposing certain restriction on the timing of bursting firecrackers, environmentalists say there is no definition of green firecrackers, while raising scepticism if this will work this Diwali which is merely two weeks away.

The SC on Tuesday refused to impose a blanket ban on firecrackers, but restricted bursting only "green firecrackers" between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

While some environment organisations welcomed the decision, they pointed out the need for round-the-year imposition and check on other sources of pollution occuring from vehicles, industries and stubble burning.

"Issue of concept of green fire crackers, with limited amount of noise and emissions, had been raised in green courts earlier, but such things practically don't exist in our country. PESO, however, can mark a warning system on firecrackers, but it's too late for this Diwali," says environment activist Vikrant Tongad.

Many activists believe that while stockpiling of firecrackers would have already been done, it would be extremenly difficult to check the standards of firecrackers.

PESO or the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation is the nodal organisation to look after safety requirements in manufacture, storage, transport and use of explosives and petroleum. Supereme Court on Tuesday asked it to review the clinical composition of fireworks, particularly for reducing the aluminium content and submit its report within two weeks.

"The stubble burning is at peak right now and last year, Diwali was on October 19 and in 2016 it was on October 30. This time it's at the time when Delhi has a history of suffering smog episode. Also, there is no concept of green firecracker, so SC's verdict is not likely to help," an environment researcher told IANS requesting anonymity.

The expert also pointed out that since the SC had allowed bursting firecrackers for two hours, imposing the restriction would be difficult.