Pollution-free crackers come up in market

Sukhmeet Bhasin

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Tribune News Service

Bathinda, November 6

Pollution-free crackers have been introduced in the market to celebrate a green Diwali this year in the city.

Instead of sulphur and carbon, these crackers release paper ‘jhalars’ and coloured strips on being burned. These are available at few stalls for the first time in the city. These crackers have become the centre of attraction.

Red shower, star night, digital star, red chilli are some of the varieties of smokeless firecrackers. The crackers cost a bit more and their minimum price is Rs400 per box. The maximum price is Rs5,000.

As the market is flooded with this new cracker variety, traders are too keen to explain their specialities.

These smokeless firecrackers are made of less smoke-emitting chemicals in a bid to reduce the pollution level.

Karan, a firecracker seller, said “These firecrackers are environment-friendly and by using them, we can reduce the pollution level. It also benefits those who are suffering from pollution-related diseases. Moreover, these smokeless crackers look beautiful when they are burned.”

“As these crackers are based on a vacuum combustion technique, no smoke or fire is emitted, making them safe even for children. These crackers make sound with colourful pieces of paper,” he added.

Gurmeet Singh, a resident, said, “These are the best alternative to firecrackers that cause pollution. We must encourage our kids to use these safe alternatives instead of harmful and risky firecrackers.”

Aditi Garg, a resident, said, “We had no idea about smoke-free crackers. If the government wants people to purchase these crackers, it should make them aware and motivate people to purchase them.”

Some of the hazardous chemicals and metals present in firecrackers are charcoal, potassium nitrate and sulphur, which together form the black powder. These contain toxic dust and carcinogenic sulphur-coal compound. These affect the environment as well as human health.

The other elements like dextrin-glue and paper in firecrackers cause eye, nose and throat irritation. These also cause a headache, loss of coordination and nausea. Besides, these have the potential to damage liver, kidney and central nervous system.