CPCB vs CSIR-NEERI: Green Crackers with Banned Chemical
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
Two government organizations have taken contradictory stands in the Supreme Court regarding the commercial production of next-generation green firecrackers. CSIR-NEERI has approved new formulations claiming 40-60% pollution reduction, while CPCB objects because they still contain barium nitrate, a chemical banned by the Supreme Court.
Background
The Centre had tasked CSIR-NEERI to develop green/low-emission fireworks with pollution reduction of more than 50% in association with fireworks manufacturers. The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers' Association (TANFAMA) devised new formulations with reduced barium salts/nitrates.
Key facts
CSIR-NEERI approved new green cracker formulations claiming 40-60% pollution reduction.
CPCB objected because the crackers still contain barium nitrate, which is banned by the Supreme Court.
CSIR-NEERI recommended commercial production of light-emission fireworks like flowerpots, sparklers, chakkars, pencils, and twinkling stars.
CSIR-NEERI also approved manufacture of joined crackers (ladis), which are banned as per court order.
For joined crackers, CSIR-NEERI reported ~30% reduction in PM emissions and up to 32% reduction in solid waste.
TANFAMA devised new-generation fireworks formulations with reduced quantity of barium salts/nitrates combined with other oxidisers.
The Centre had asked CSIR-NEERI to develop fireworks with pollution reduction of more than 50%.
Prelims pointers
- CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board
- CSIR-NEERI: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
- TANFAMA: Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers' Association
- Barium nitrate: a chemical banned by the Supreme Court for use in firecrackers
- PM10 and PM2.5: particulate matter pollution metrics
- Green crackers: low-emission fireworks
Mains angles
- GS3 Environment: Pollution control vs. economic interests of firecracker industry
- GS2 Polity: Role of regulatory bodies (CPCB) and research institutions (CSIR-NEERI) in policy implementation
- GS2 Judiciary: Supreme Court's ban on barium nitrate and compliance issues