Green Firecrackers ( UPSC Prelims)

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News Context

The Supreme Court has temporarily relaxed the comprehensive ban on firecrackers in the Delhi–NCR region. It has permitted the use of government-approved green crackers that do not contain harmful chemicals and help in reducing air pollution.

About Green Firecrackers

 ● Composition: Contains a minimal amount of thermite and uses a reduced quantity of aluminium.  
      ○ Does not include barium, which is typically used in firecrackers to produce a green color.
      ○ Utilizes potassium nitrate as an oxidizing agent.
  ● Benefit: Achieves at least a 30% reduction in emissions of particulate matter.  
  ● Identification and Certification: Features the CSIR NEERI Logo, developed by CSIR NEERI.  
  ● First Introduced: Following the Arjun Gopal vs Union of India (2018) ruling, which prohibited traditional firecrackers.  

Types of Green Firecrackers

SWAS (Safe Water & Air Releaser): Releases ultra-fine water droplets that capture dust particles.
 SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Contains a safe level of aluminium and operates with reduced noise.
 STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Does not contain potassium nitrate or sulfur and produces very little smoke.