1️⃣ Increased People’s Perception towards Green Crackers may lead to Cleaner Air during Diwali in 2023

A People’s Perception Study by SwitchON Foundation, 2023

As winter unfolds, Diwali celebrations in India worsen the nation’s existing severe air pollution crisis. The cold winds trap pollutants, contributing to India’s consistently poor global air quality. Recent reports indicate a continuous increase in particulate matter pollution in Jharkhand’s cities since the Dussehra festival. Ranchi, a state capital with inadequate air quality monitoring, particularly stands out. As per The Telegraph report dated 9th November 2023 According to Van Bhavan CAAQMS-1 data, from late October to early November, the air quality in Ranchi remained moderate (100 to 120 AQI), with the highest observed particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentration at 66 µg/m3, surpassing the WHO safety limit of 5 µg/m3.

Investigating People’s Perspective:

Green crackers are free from toxic barium compounds and are reported to generate 30% less pollution. Despite the administration’s documented regulations and penalties for illicit fireworks activities, the limited public awareness regarding green crackers during Diwali poses a significant challenge. This year, numerous markets featuring environmentally friendly crackers, namely green crackers, have been established. Fancy green crackers have been reported to draw attention from the youth.

The SwitchON Foundation research team conducted a cross-sectional survey at licensed bazi bazaars to gauge public perceptions of a “Green Diwali”. The study focused on engaging potential buyers of green crackers, with flash surveys conducted between November 7th and 9th, involving 160 randomly selected individuals, comprising 127 males and 33 females.

Findings:

• In Ranchi, over half of the surveyed population (53%) correctly identified green crackers by recognizing the CSIR-NEERI logo and QR Code on the packaging. Among the remaining 47%, 14% were unaware of the identification marks, and 33% had a distorted understanding of green crackers (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Awareness of green cracker identification in Ranchi

• The awareness regarding the ban on traditional crackers and the permission for bursting green crackers in the state is high. Merely 14% of respondents were unaware that only green crackers are allowed, while a substantial 84% acknowledged the prohibition of traditional crackers in the state.

Figure 2: Awareness estimation of the ban and permission of crackers

• When asked about the likelihood of purchasing premium-priced green crackers over traditional ones, over 58% of respondents expressed their intention to opt for the higher-priced crackers. Meanwhile, 18% remained undecided, 14% refrained from responding, and a mere 9% unequivocally stated they would not choose costly green crackers.

Figure 3: People’s Opinion on premium-priced green crackers

• Conversely, 69% of respondents were well-informed about the legal time period for bursting green crackers in Jharkhand, specifically from 8 pm to 10 pm. However, 17% claimed that there is no specific timing, while the remaining 14% acknowledged the existence of a designated time but lacked accurate information or made conjectures.

Figure 4: People’s awareness of the timing of bursting crackers

• Considering all the parameters addressed in the survey, a best-case scenario emerged where a significant 41% of the respondents, with only 5% being female, provided perfect responses. This group, primarily from Ranchi, demonstrated awareness of the permission for green crackers, the ban on traditional firecrackers, proper identification of green crackers, and the correct timing for bursting them. Remarkably, they expressed a willingness to choose green crackers even if they are premium-priced.

Recommendations:

• The identification process of the green crackers needs to be easier and more unique so that people can recognize a green cracker only by looking into it. More awareness drives on the identification marks of green crackers may help with this concern. Vigorous miking on the legal time duration of bursting green crackers needs to be done so that households are aware of the same.
• Setting up more green cracker markets, especially in the open places near the localities will make people buy those crackers instead of relying on back door means to buy illegal fireworks.
• Market availability of green crackers and traditional firecrackers needs to be reversed very aggressively so that people have no other choice left if they want to burst crackers.
• At the same time, pricing needs to be within limit, so that people can afford them. Furthermore, unless the black marketing of traditional crackers stops completely, it will not be possible to obtain the goal of a clean environment and several people will have to suffer from prolonged cardiovascular disease for a single-day celebration!

Speaking from an overall perspective, people of Ranchi may know about the ban, the timings and the mandate with green crackers, but the Diwali celebrations will remain compromised one way or the other unless 100% of the citizens either switch to the use of only certified GREEN CRACKERS or find some miraculous solace in celebrating Diwali with complete abstinence from firecrackers of any type and if the vigilance is compromised.

Court mandates in this regard are as follows:

• All kinds of traditional firecrackers are completely banned in India, including all states and throughout the national territory
• Bursting of only green crackers manufactured and certified as per the composition of CSIR-NEERI and having the respective QR code and logo allowed in the states
• In Jharkhand bursting is only allowed between 8 PM to 10 PM.
• The noise limit of the crackers should not exceed 125 decibels

Annexure

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Table for figure 2

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2️⃣ Assessment of Green Certificate-QR for CSIR-NEERI approved Green Crackers

A study with Ranchi Green cracker markets, 2023

The Pretext

Diwali has now been linked to pollution and poor air quality, particularly due to conventional crackers. High Particular Matter (PM) levels during post-Diwali in the last couple of decades has sparked concerns. In response to the hike in pollution levels, the Supreme Court issued an order in 2018, led by Justice A K Sikri, banning conventional firecrackers nationwide, endorsing “green crackers.” 

These eco-friendly alternatives developed by CSIR-NEERI, reduced PM and gas emissions by 30% and 10%, respectively (NEERI Report). As per the high court, Green crackers must be burst within a specific time frame (8 pm to 10 pm) during the day. Noise levels are also capped at 125 decibels nationwide, with non-compliance penalties ranging from 6 months to 5 years in prison. To ensure authenticity, CSIR made an app allowing users to scan the QR code on the packaging to verify their authenticity (Annexure 3).  Very few manufacturers have obtained licenses to produce green crackers, as of October 30, 2023.  Recent news articles and High Court orders reinforce the ban on conventional firecrackers, promoting the sale and use of only green crackers, with registered vendors and approved markets supporting the transition. 

Methodology

The SwitchON Foundation conducted research on the authenticity of QR codes displayed in green crackers sold in Ranch’s markets during the pre-Diwali season of 2023. When a green-certified product’s QR code is scanned, it should automatically redirect to a green certificate given by CSIR-NEERI (Annexure 2).

This study employs a primary data collection approach and utilizes quantitative analysis for data interpretation. SwitchON Foundation surveyed and interacted with the vendors, clicked pictures of the available products and assessed the QR codes on the green cracker packets.

Location:

The study is conducted at three specific locations:

1. Harmu Ground Cracker Market, 
2. Kadru Cracker Market, 
3. Upper Bazar,
4. Shradhhanand Road

Sample Size:

Surveyed 30 shops and out of these 25 shops had QR scan codes in their products.

Findings:

The assessment (Figure 1.) revealed 3 distinct categories, i.e.

• CSIR-NEERI and Peso certified – 53% of green crackers are CSIR-NEERI and PESO certified which clearly indicate that it is a green cracker
• Not certified by Peso – 13% of green crackers are CSIR-NEERI certified but not certified by PESO, hence classified as conventional crackers. (Ref. Annexure 4)
• Not responding – 34% of QR codes do not respond which clearly indicates it is a conventional cracker

Figure 1: Status of QR code scan of firecrackers sold as Green crackers

• It was observed that most of the local vendors surveyed did not sell products with proper QR code

The surveyed data clearly suggests that nearly 47% of crackers being sold in the market either do not have proper certification as the QR code does not scan to show full details that comply with the guidelines, or are clearly conventional crackers pushed into the market, completely defying the guidelines by Legal and administrative authorities. It thus lies on the Government and the regulatory bodies to ensure that conventional crackers do not enter the market and all QR-labelled crackers meet the CSIR-NEERI and PESO certifications stringently. Unless the markets completely stock only green crackers, complete public awareness and acceptance will not be possible, hindering the entire concept of an Eco-friendly Diwali. 

Limitation:

• The Green QR application is not compatible with the new updates of an Android/iOS phone  
• Green cracker markets had very less vendors even after the inception of the scheduled dates.

Recommendation:

1. CSIR-NEERI needs to update their Green Cracker app immediately and release a rather Simple QR-based system that every smartphone can easily support. The developers need to ensure that the QR scans only genuine prints and a simple Yes/No prompt is generated suggesting to the consumer the genuineness of the product.
2. To abate the uncertainties of frisking by authorities,  it is more suitable if Green cracker-labeled SEALED crates directly reach from the factory to the licensed shops where they are unsealed and loaded on shelves in the presence of authorities. This will greatly reduce the entry of illegal conventional firecrackers in major shops and establishments.
3. To reduce the production of illegal firecrackers and hence limit illegal entry in the Diwali markets, it is advisable, that the government regulates the chemicals and raw materials that are primary culprits for air pollution, limiting access to thermite and barium compounds thus reducing the risks associated with crackers made conventionally.

Annexure 1

Table 1: Status of QR code scan of firecrackers sold as Green crackers

Annexure 2: Green cracker certificate:

Annexure 3: Flow chart of QR scanning

Annexure 4: Without peso certification

Annexure 5: Surveyed in Ranchi green cracker market

Annexure 6: Cracker without QR code: 

3️⃣ High priced green crackers might be restricting public demand to transition to an Eco-Friendly Diwali: Ranchi

The Pretext:

To celebrate the more sustainable and eco-friendly festival this year, CSIR Neeri has taken the initiative to certify all types of firecrackers. Conventional crackers are mainly made of barium compounds, which enhance the green color of the cracker. This leads to higher emissions of particulate matter (PM) and other toxic gases. In addition, it produces noise in excess of 125dB and higher pollution levels. Green crackers on the other hand are devoid of barium compounds reducing PM emissions by 30% and noise level within the 125dB permissible limit.

This year, the SwitchON Foundation conducted a vendor study in different green cracker markets such as Harmu Ground Cracker Market, Kadru Cracker Market, Upper Bazar, and Shradhhanand Road. This study mainly looks into vendor growth and awareness towards the green cracker stock and supply. 

Methodology:

This study employs a primary data collection approach and utilizes quantitative analysis for data interpretation. SwicthON Foundation surveyed and interacted with the vendors and kept records in Google form.

Location:

The study is conducted at four specific locations:

1. Harmu Ground Cracker Market, 
2. Kadru Cracker Market, 
3. Upper Bazar,
4. Shradhhanand Road

Sample size:

SwitchON Foundation surveyed 31 shops

Table 1. Category, Location and Survey Population Count

Findings:

• SwitchON Foundation’s survey revealed that 32% and 35% of conventional cracker vendors had less than 2 years and 2 to 5 years of experience respectively, while 29% had been selling for over 5 years ( Figure 1). 

Figure 1: Vendor selling period

• Of the total surveyed population, 87% of vendors identified green crackers by recognizing the CSIR-NEERI logo and QR codes, while the remaining 13% were unable to do so (Figure 2)

Figure 2: Green cracker identification by vendor

• The survey further determined what % of vendors are stocking Green crackers. Additionally, it was surveyed what % of their sales stocks classified as Green Crackers:

1. 65% of surveyed vendors stocked about 75%-100% of green crackers only, 
2. 10% of surveyed vendors maintained stocks of 50%-75% of green crackers,
3. 25% of surveyed vendors had stocked 25%- 50% of green crackers; 
4. 16% of non-licensed vendors in Ranchi stocked less than 25% of green crackers.

Figure 3: Green crackers percentage in shop

• Based on vendors’ feedback, 74% reported average market demands for green crackers, with 23% noting good demand and 3% indicating poor demand, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Market demand for green crackers

• As shown in Figure 5: A high price compared to last year was noted by 97% of vendors. 

Figure 5: Vendor Perception on Higher Green Cracker Price

Key Observations:

The survey critically analyses the vendor’s perspective and awareness of green crackers and what they are stocking and selling to consumers. The study observes the following:

• Vendors are highly aware of the green cracker identifications and in the majority have  stocked their inventory and shelves with green crackers.
• In terms of market demands, majority vendors claim consumers are moderately demanding green crackers. Only a small fraction reported good demands. This infers that the general consumer might either be not aware or not willing to purchase green crackers.
• This can be inferred from the fact that almost all vendors claimed that the green crackers are highly priced and that might be a core reason behind low demands.  

Recommendation: 

• CSIR-NEERI needs to update their Green Cracker app immediately and release a rather Simple QR-based system that every smartphone can easily support. The developers need to ensure that the QR scans only genuine prints and a simple Yes/No prompt is generated suggesting to the consumer the genuineness of the product. This would help consumers become more aware of the existing products.
• To abate the uncertainties of frisking by authorities,  it is more suitable if Green cracker-labeled SEALED crates directly reach from the factory to the licensed shops where they are unsealed and loaded on shelves in the presence of authorities. This will greatly reduce the entry of illegal conventional firecrackers in major shops and establishments.
• To reduce the production of illegal firecrackers and hence limit illegal entry in the Diwali markets, it is advisable, that the government regulates the chemicals and raw materials that are primary culprits for air pollution, limiting access to thermite and barium compounds thus reducing the risks associated with crackers made conventionally.

Annexure 1: Survey done in Ranchi

Media Dossier

Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in