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Kolkata Readies for Eco-Friendly Diwali with Green Firecrackers
25 Oct
Summary
- Green firecracker samples will be tested on October 30 at Tala Park.
- Only green crackers are permitted for sale and bursting during Diwali.
- Eco-friendly firecracker packets feature a QR code for legality verification.
In anticipation of Kali Puja-Diwali, Kolkata is set to test green firecracker samples on October 30 at Tala Park. Representatives from the police, fire brigade, state pollution control board (PCB), and NEERI will attend the exercise. Organizers of Bazi Bazaars are required to submit samples by October 29, with a meeting scheduled for October 28.
Wholesalers have applied to hold Bazi Bazaars in four locations between November 2 and November 8, awaiting police confirmation. West Bengal's PCB has mandated that only green crackers, emitting less pollution, can be sold and burst for a two-hour window, from 8 pm to 10 pm, on Diwali. Eco-friendly firecracker packets will be identifiable by a QR code.
NEERI defines green crackers as those using reduced materials and dust suppressants to lower emissions like particulate matter, SO2, and NO2. Over a thousand types of eco-friendly crackers are reportedly available. Licensed traders are the only ones permitted to sell at Bazi Bazaars. However, green activists express worry over potential illegal crackers already in circulation, fearing a noisier and more polluting Diwali despite enforcement efforts.
