Govt, traders to meet after SC order on crackers

Gurgaon: The district administration is all set to hold a meeting with traders within a couple of days to enforce the implementation of the Supreme Court’s order to allow only green crackers, which have low emission and sound levels, for Diwali.
Munish Sharma, additional deputy commissioner, said, “Thanks to newer technologies, green crackers are in the testing phase. For instance, Dr Rakesh Kumar from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI ) is working on this subject. However, firecracker manufacturers have to take the lead to commercialise the same.”

Earlier, CSIR was entrusted by Union minister for science and environment Dr Harsh Vardhan to prepare eco-friendly crackers to reduce air pollution caused by firecrackers during Diwali, every year.

CSIR-NEERI is conducting the research to come up with green firecrackers, which will reduce emission of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) by 30-35% and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen by 35-40%. The sound levels of these green crackers would also remain within permitted limits of less than 120 Decibels.

Sharma said, “For Gurgaon, since it is a part of NCR, we may allow community-level celebrations on Diwali, in case those seeking permission for the same provide details on green crackers that they have procured. Similarly, licence for selling firecrackers will be given to those retailers who can supply evidence of having acquired such low-emission crackers. We are dealing with a complex situation but protecting the environment and providing breathing space are quite vital for all of us.”

However, the real picture will likely emerge after officials sit down with traders to discuss the modalities of implementation of the sale of green crackers as well as the issuing licenses for the same. As far as deciding the venues for firecracker stalls are concerned, sub-divisional magistrate Sanjeev Singla said that no stall had been set up last year because of the blanket ban on firecrackers. Before that, a common area or spot would be designated in the city, where firecrackers could be sold by all traders. Singla indicated that the same pattern would be followed, this year, as well.