SC asks Centre to approve composition for Green crackers

The Supreme Court Thursday directed the Centre to approve the composition of green crackers after it is formulated by PESO so as to enable their manufacturing.

It allowed the firecracker manufacturers to apply for approvals from the concerned authorities after Petroleum and Explosive Safety organization (PESO) approves the new formulation of fireworks by April 30.

A bench of Justices S A Bobde, M Shantanagoudar and Indira Banerjee said that after PESO finalises the new formulation of fireworks, an approval of Union of India should also be taken so that manufacturing can start.

"Any licensed manufacturer may apply for requisite approval in accordance with the relevant rules and orders. This order shall be subject to such orders after the PESO has granted the approval. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and climate Change (MoEF&CC) may file a report before this Court...," the bench said.

It clarified that these orders will be operating till further orders and do no create any equity in favour of anybody.

It listed the matter for further hearing in August 2019.

The apex court was hearing pleas of firecracker manufacturers including the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers' Association seeking permission to make of firecrackers.

They contended that they should be allowed to manufacture firecrackers with Barium substitute which is Barium nitrate claiming that this would reduce the pollution to the extent of about 25 to 30 per cent.

The bench, however did not agree with the contention saying it is not inclined to allow this because the matter is still under consideration of the PESO which has agreed to look into the best formulation that may be permissible for manufacture of firecrackers.

On March 5, the PESO had told the apex court that it has finalised "improved formulations" for making green firecrackers and product approvals will be given to the manufacturers subsequently.

The apex court was earlier 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 had said, adding that the development would reduce the emission of pollutants PM 2.5 at least by 25-30 per cent.

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