SC Nod for green saravedi production

Sivakasi fireworks manufacturers have welcomed the Supreme Court’s conditional permission for the manufacture of next-generation joint green crackers, saying the decision recognises technological advancements and research in the fireworks industry.
More than 90 per cent of India’s fireworks are manufactured in factories in and around Sivakasi. The fireworks industry in the region has an annual production value of around Rs 6,000 crore.
The Supreme Court had earlier imposed restrictions on the manufacture, sale and use of certain fireworks over environmental concerns. It had directed that only green crackers meeting prescribed standards should be manufactured.
Following the court’s directions, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation were involved in developing regulations for green crackers, including those using reduced quantities of barium nitrate.
A fireworks research centre was also established in Sivakasi.
Environment-friendly green crackers are currently being manufactured in Sivakasi, while research and testing of next-generation crackers are continuing.
Based on a report submitted by the Centre, the Supreme Court has now permitted the manufacture of next-generation joint green crackers, subject to conditions imposed by the competent authorities. The decision has brought cheer among fireworks manufacturers in Sivakasi.
Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association president Ganesan and secretary Shankar Kathiresan said the permission was an acknowledgement of the research and technological advancements made by the fireworks industry to develop environment-friendly products.
They said the decision had given renewed hope to fireworks manufacturers and workers. Technical studies and testing of next-generation green crackers are currently under way, they said.The association representatives expressed hope that further clarity would emerge during the next hearing of the case before the Supreme Court, expected on October 15.They also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, research organisations and scientists who contributed to the scientific studies, testing and submission of reports relating to next-generation green
crackers.