Chennai: 70% of available fireworks are costly green crackers

CHENNAI: About 70% of crackers in the market are 'green fireworks', dealers said, and these are 30% more expensive than regular crackers. This shift was sparked by the Supreme Court's restrictions on regular crackers which are made of harmful chemicals that pollute the environment. Despite the higher prices, vendors expect sales to pick up during the weekend provided the city does not experience much rain.
"Sales will be better than last year because people are more open to celebrations this year after two years of the pandemic and lockdowns," a dealer said, adding that not many customers insist on green crackers.
Green crackers are made of aluminum, barium nitrate, dextrin and CSIR-NEERI Additive-F (ferrous oxides). Regular ones contain more chemicals, including sulphur, potassium nitrate, and charcoal, that allow them to go off with loud bangs of 150db to 160db. Green crackers, on the other hand, can have a maximum limit of 100db to 125db. They are also said to release water vapour that will absorb dust particles, reducing particulate emission.
"Both green and non-green variety of crackers are available now due to spillover from production in 2018. Next year, it will only be green crackers," said L Prabhu of SGT crackers in Pondy Bazaar."Sales will be better this year but the number of shops will be fewer due to license delays and rates of crackers shooting up."
Many vendors told TOI that they wouldn't be setting up shop this year due to lackluster business. The pandemic and the restrictions have only made things worse, a dealer said.
Software engineer S Karthik Krishnan believes many people, despite being aware of pollution, would buy crackers just for the sake of festivities. "I have a son and I will buy a few for him. The pandemic ensured no celebrations and parties. So, now Diwali festivities are in full swing," he said.
YouTuber P Suparna said everyone should also keep in mind the eight lakh people in the fireworks industry who could lose their livelihoods. "We cannot let Sivakasi die a slow death," she said.
Only green crackers would be allowed in the state and government norms will be followed, said Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials. As licenses haven't been finalized yet, the exact number of shops in Chennai can't be calculated as of now, police officers said.
Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturer's Association president Ganesan Panjurajan said production has dropped by 30% this year due to the blanket ban on crackers in seven states and the National Capital Region, Delhi. "But, many governments are now permitting green crackers. In Sivakasi, 95% of crackers produced were of the green variety. A lab will be set up soon in Sivakasi to ensure 100% compliance with chemical composition norms and emission tests. We are ready to follow all directions and regulations For now, barium nitrate and sulphur dioxide are used in very small quantities. The state governments should also support the industry," he said.