‘Banned chemical’: CPCB red-flags new ‘green’ crackers

The Centre had asked CSIR-NEERI to develop green/low-emission fireworks with pollution reduction of more than 50% in association with fireworks manufacturersNEW DELHI: There is no unanimity on allowing commercial production of next-generation green firecrackers in the country, with two govt organisations taking contradictory stands in Supreme Court.Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) has approved the new formulations, stating that they reduce pollution levels by 40-60%. In contrast, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has objected, arguing that these crackers still contain barium nitrate - a chemical banned by the SC - and, therefore, cannot be permitted.The Centre had asked CSIR-NEERI to develop green/low-em