4 bazi bazaars in city for green fireworks

Kolkata: This year, there will be four bazi bazaars in the city and 68 more across the rest of Bengal, focusing exclusively on selling green fireworks. However, environmental activists have raised concerns about the widespread availability of unauthorized non-green, conventional high-decibel, and smoke-emitting fireworks in the market. These unauthorized items are being traded openly, suggesting that high-decibel noise and air pollution may continue to be a significant issue during this festive season.
The govt has allowed 72 bazi bazaars or fireworks markets to promote and sell only green fireworks across the state.But there has been rampant manufacturing and sale of banned conventional fireworks, which are 30% more polluting and noisier. “Most of these firecrackers are often sold openly, leaving a big question mark on the seriousness of the enforcement authority. It would be a futile exercise if we cannot stop manufacturing such illegal fireworks at the source,” said Naba Dutta of Sabuj Mancha, which has been fighting hard for a total ban on fireworks during Diwali and other festivities.
“In Kolkata, four bazi bazaars will be held at Tala Park, Maidan, Tollygunge, and Behala. In Howrah city, there will be two bazi bazaars. All 3,200 sellers of green fireworks have valid licences to sell green fireworks. We will also keep a vigil against the illegal trade of conventional fireworks,” said Babla Roy, chairman, Sara Bangla Atasbaji Unnayan Samiti.
According to NEERI, green fireworks have a reduced shell and are made of fewer raw materials and additives. However, environmentalists said that the reduction of 30% of pollution is not enough for a marked improvement for the environment during Diwali night. “The quantum of fireworks bursting is so high, a 30% cut may not have any difference,” said Naba Datta.