Delhi pollution hits Sivakasi firecracker industry staring at dull Diwali as Uncertainty over ban lingers

 Tamil nadu's small town which is also known as "little japan" and is famous for firecrackers manufacturing , is battling legal hurdles that threaten the only sources of live hood there. The town waits for Diwali season when it usually sees an unprecedented spike in orders but they have dried up this time due supreme court ban on firecrackers in Delhi and adjacent areas last year. There is a huge tock which is lying unsold after last year's SC judgement.

Advance orders witnessed a steep decline this summer and dealers were not willing to take any risk. The industry's argument is that it is not proved that firecrackers are the only reason behind Delhi's rising air pollution . There are many factors which contribute to it but only firecrackers are targeted.

Sivakasi' s fire industry is not just battling ban but many questions are raised on its not so enviable safety record. Many argue that the way forward for the industry is to make "eco - friendly firecrackers". Scientists at CSIR is working towards inventing green firecrackers .These fireworks will have modified chemical formulations and will help to bring down the level of air and noise pollution.

CSIR -Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

                                                             (Oct 14,2018)