Based on the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the State Pollution Control Board has also mandated the use of green crackers. Bursting of noise-emitting crackers is prohibited within a 100-meter radius of silence zones, including hospitals, courts, educational institutions, and places of worship.
Crackers should only be used during the designated two-hour window, from 8 PM to 10 PM.
Green crackers are those that have reduced pollution levels compared to traditional crackers. They are manufactured by altering the chemical composition of regular crackers, reducing the quantity of chemicals used, and adding components to minimise the emission of smoke and gases. This can reduce the amount of suspended particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere by up to 30%.
Furthermore, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) certifies these green crackers to ensure that their sound intensity does not exceed the prescribed limit. Hazardous heavy metals are completely avoided in green crackers. CSIR-NEERI approved green crackers will carry a special QR code. Using green crackers will help prevent heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic from dissolving in water and posing a danger to soil and water bodies.
Suchitwa Mission Executive Director U.V. Jose advised that maximum environmental cleanliness should be ensured while using crackers.
With input from Keralanews.gov.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
