Headlines October 23, 2019
Only green crackers allowed this Diwali

The Supreme Court has ordered that this Diwali only two types of crackers will be allowed, as per media reports.
The top court has said that green version of anars and phuljaris are the only firecrackers legal this Diwali. As per reports, rockets, wheelers, bombs and other noisy crackers are all banned.
The green versions of the anars and phuljaris are both silent and are expected to emit 30% less air pollution. People are being advised to check the official stamp, a QR code stamp on the packets while purchasing to ensure they are getting the legal firecrackers.
The crackers are available in 2 colors and a box of 50 phuljaris or five anars will cost Rs 250.
The eco-friendly green crackers have been developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-CSIR after a ban was imposed by the Supreme Court in 2017 on pollution causing fire crackers.
The green crackers do not contain any of the chemicals banned by the Supreme Court like lithium, arsenic, lead and mercury.
Eight government-run laboratories have worked to create the eco-friendly option of crackers and nine types of green crackers have been made but only two types are currently available in markets.
However, reports state that the quantity of green crackers in the market is not enough and is affecting business of firecracker sellers.
Social media users had mixed response to the ban on non-green crackers.
Aarti Seth tweeted, “Let’s celebrate a Green Diwali! Say no to crackers! Say no to pollution! Light up lives with care and compassion and spread joy and warmth this festive season!”
“Feeling sad & angry. SC has to poke it’s nose on each n everything thats associated with Hindu festivals it seems. Green crackers ruling was fine but now restrictions on type of crackers is just too much,” tweeted Being Bhartiya
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