In a bid to make Diwali celebrations more environmentally friendly, significant strides have been made in the development of green and cold fireworks in India, led by Dr. Sadhana Rayalu and her team. This initiative aims to reduce the pollution traditionally associated with fireworks during the festival.
Development of Green Crackers
The journey towards cleaner fireworks began in 2017 when Dr. Harsh Vardhan, then Union Minister for Science and Environment, challenged Indian scientists to create less polluting fireworks. This led to the innovation of green crackers, which NDTV first reported in 2018. These crackers are designed to decrease particulate matter by 25-30% and sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides by 50%, all while being more cost-effective.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) played a crucial role in developing these first-generation green crackers, reducing pollution by about 30% compared to traditional fireworks. This was a significant breakthrough, as fireworks have been a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in North India during the post-Diwali winter months.
Scientific Advancements and Legal Framework
Dr. Sadhana Rayalu, a senior scientist at the National Environment and Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), led the team that developed these crackers. The new formulations reduced the use of harmful components and modified the chemical composition of traditional fireworks using special additives and catalysts.
In response to growing environmental concerns, the Supreme Court intervened to push for cleaner alternatives, leading to the establishment of a regulatory framework requiring CSIR-NEERI certification for all green crackers. This move has transformed green fireworks from a laboratory concept into a structured national research program, further supported by the establishment of centres of excellence in Nagpur and Karaikudi.
Future Prospects: Cold Fireworks
Dr. Rayalu and her collaborators are now working on the next frontier: cold fireworks that are smokeless and eco-friendly. This new technology promises to cut emissions by 85-90% compared to conventional cold pyrotechnics, using a patented platform that eliminates harmful chemicals like perchlorates and nitrocellulose.
The Indo-German team involved in this innovation aims to make fireworks significantly less harmful while retaining their celebratory essence. The development and potential commercialization of these cold fireworks could mark a new era in environmentally conscious celebrations.
While the journey from traditional to green and now to cold fireworks is ongoing, the commitment of Indian scientists like Dr. Rayalu demonstrates a promising path towards reducing the environmental impact of Diwali festivities.
Source: NDTV India
