Improved formulation for manufacturing green crackers finalised, PESO tells SC

Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that it has finalised "improved formulations" for making green firecrackers and product approvals will be given to manufacturers by March 21.

The apex court was informed that joint work was undertaken by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), and other fireworks manufacturers related to formulation and production of green firecrackers.

Trial of some samples was also conducted, PESO said, adding that the development would reduce the emission of pollutants PM 2.5 at least by 25-30 per cent.

As per the CSIR-NEERI minutes of meeting placed before a bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer, the authority would submit product approval documents by makers of fireworks by March 7.

"It is envisaged that product approval for improved formulation by PESO shall be given by March 21, 2019," it said, adding, "It is envisaged that product approval for new formulations shall be given by PESO by April 30, 2019."