green India Green Diwali

#GreenDiwali #Sustainability #EcoFriendlyCelebrations #CleanIndia

The firecracker industry in India is the source of livelihood for thousands [3]. Like every other industry, the firecracker industry in India also suffered during COVID-19 as in 2020 it produced only ₹3000 crores worth of firecrackers that year [1]. In 2021 the industry witnessed an estimated loss of ₹500 crores [2].

The competition from the Chinese market is the biggest threat to cracker manufacturers in India. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which represents millions of small traders, has banned the sale of Chinese products in the country yet as stated by Indias Commerce and Industry Ministry, between April and July 2021, Chinese imports increased by more than 66% to US$27.66 billion [2].

Thus, the cultural shift of conscious India is impacting the firecracker industry- on one hand introducing green initiatives by the government has impacted MSMEs due to bans and regulations as they have to get rid of the traditional and economical firecracker stocks and have to shift to the green alternatives and on the other hand, the illegal trade and selling of Chinese products are not being regulated which drains the Indian firecracker manufacturers economically who have entered the market with their green crackers, such as Sivaski.

Challenges in the firework industry:

Accidents in the fireworks industry arise from safety awareness gaps and non-compliance with regulations, exposing workers to health risks [5]. Corruption and economic uncertainties due to bans add to the instability [5]. Licenses should enforce safety standards, especially for child, adolescent, and female workers lacking formal training and gear. Safety requires strict measures, PPE, training, proper ventilation, safe storage, and fire systems [5].

International combat measures:

In Vietnam, firecrackers were available until they were banned in 1994, and around 10,000 people in the industry were relocated to agriculture and construction [3]. Singapore’s Dangerous Fireworks Act of 1988 increased penalties, leading to stable air quality. The Netherlands has mandated fireworks be sold with safety gear since 2019 to prevent accidents [3]. In workplace safety, the U.S. OSHA enforces standards for a safe environment. Canada’s CCOHS provides guidance and training on hazardous materials and workplace violence, enforcing laws at regional levels [4].

Case study: The Sivaski Fireworks

Sivakasi, the capital of India's firecracker industry, boasts 8,000 factories producing 90% of the country's fireworks [5]. Employing over 25,000 people, it generates a turnover of around INR 350 crore and supports numerous SMEs. The Tamil Nadu government enforces safety regulations, promotes green cracker production, and supports training for handling explosives, emphasizing safety and sustainability [5]. 

Green crackers, Green logo, and QR coding system by the Government of India for tackling air pollution and firecracker MSMEs:

To tackle the increased air pollution and to negate the effect of the firecrackers’ ban on the MSME industry in 2019 the Government of India introduced Green Crackers such as sound-emitting crackers, flowerpots, pencils, chakkar, and sparklers, developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs facilitating 30% lower emissions and reduced sound at 110-125 decibels from 160 decibels from non-green crackers [6]. A green logo and a Quick Response (QR) coding system were developed to differentiate green crackers from conventional crackers [6]

Types of Green crackers: SWAS (Safe Water Releaser), STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker), and SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium) [6].

Leading supplier: Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu [6]
Where to buy: At local shops and online [6]

Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali:

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), launched the Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali campaign from the 06th to 12th November 2023 [7]. The campaign emphasizes the importance of a clean and eco-friendly celebration while being a responsible part of a community by opting for locally made products, single-use plastic, etc [7].

Activity for the festivity:

Citizens were invited to sign up for a Swachh Diwali on the MyGov portal and posting their unique initiatives for a Swachh Diwali in a 30-second video reel and upload it on social media platforms of their choice with #Swachh Diwali along with tagging the official handles of SBM Urban 2.0 - @sbmurbangov [7].

By the government for the people:

Urban local bodies to carry out cleaning and misting activities, spreading awareness and item collections at 3R Centres, special care and safety of sanitation workers by gifting locally made products and providing face masks, protective eyewear, and safety gear, etc.

2024

Delhi High Court reinforces ban on firecrackers to combat air pollution: In the territory of NCT of Delhi, a complete ban has been imposed on busting all kinds of firecrackers, as well as on the manufacturing, storage, and selling of firecrackers and their delivery through online marketing platforms [8].

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) has been implemented in Delhi to tackle air pollution to address the severity of air quality level. Further in Punjab, a ban has been imposed on the bursting of crackers while in Haryana's Gurugram, green crackers will be allowed for Diwali celebrations [9].

We as individuals should acknowledge our respective roles in contributing to green and sustainable Diwali as rightly said by a renowned British explorer and environmental advocate [10]

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

1. Opt for Eco-friendly Rangolis

Using natural materials like rice flour, turmeric, and flower petals which are biodegradable and non-toxic, helps reduce pollution in our surroundings [11].

2. Use Traditional Earthen Diyas

Replace electric lights with clay lamps (diyas). Opt for locally made diyas to support small artisans, contributing to both sustainability and local economies [12].

3. Green Gifting

This Diwali, focus on gifting plants, eco-friendly products, or even DIY items. Potted plants such as air-purifying plants are thoughtful and contribute to cleaner air indoors [13].

4. Sustainable Decoration

Choose reusable or biodegradable decoration materials
such as fabric drapes, fresh flowers, and paper lanterns. These materials can be reused or composted, reducing waste [13].

By incorporating these eco-friendly practices, we can celebrate Diwali without compromising our environment. Let’s make this festival of lights a festival of green change.

References:

1] (K.N., A. Bajj, The Diwali Firecracker Industry: Unveiling the Origins and Evolution, 2023)
2] (A. Nath, Sivakasi traders share challenges on global market expansion, 2022)
3] (S. Dutta, S. Bhaskar, Regularizing and Restricting Sales And Usage Of Firecrackers, 2017)
4] (Animal Concern: Firework laws around the world)
5] (S.H Priya. K. S. M, Sparks of Joy, Shadows of Concern: Exploring the Complexities of Sivakasi's Fireworks Industry, 2023)
6] (GoI, MoST, India launches “Green Crackers” in its bid to curb air pollution, PIB Delhi, 2019)
7] MoHUA rolls out Signature Campaign to sign up for clean festivities, PIB DELHI, 2023
8] Priyanshu Priya, Delhi Govt Imposes Ban On Firecrackers To Combat Air Pollution, 2024
9] Priyanshu Priya, Delhi Govt Imposes Ban On Firecrackers To Combat Air Pollution, 2024
10] Britannica,The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Robert Swan", 2024
11] Alaric Thorne, Rangoli design for illuminating light not with pollution,2024
12] Alessia Jhon, Diya Lamps: The Timeless Tradition and Symbolism, 2024
13] Team Phool, 7 Ways to Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Diwali, 2024