Why in the news?

• Many states like Karnataka are asking the public to use green crackers in their diwali preparation.

What are green crackers ?

• Developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-NEERI as per the court’s directions, green crackers emit pollutants at a 30% lesser rate than their conventional counterparts. 
• While regular crackers emit about 160 decibels of sound, green crackers’ emission rate is limited to 110-125 decibels.
• Manufacturers need to take a license from CSIR in order to make fireworks using the green cracker formulation.
• Green crackers release water vapour and don’t allow the dust particles to rise.

There are 3 types of green crackers:

• Safe Water Releaser (SWAS) 
• Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL) 
• Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR)

References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/karnataka-releases-normson-sale-of-green-crackers/article33049231.ece
2. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-are-green-firecrackers-all-you-need-to-know/story-dk4fuHpeZPp8nAOZWR6VOI.html
3. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-are-green-crackers/article29765290.ece
4. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/karnataka-releases-normson-sale-of-green-crackers/article33049231.ece