Firecrackers manufacturing unit in Sivakasi heave a sigh of relief, SC directs Centre to grant approval for green crackers
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to submit the report by April 30, after it is formulated by PESO. The Bench also said that any licensed manufacturer may apply for requisite approval in accordance with the relevant rules and orders.
The firecrackers manufacturing units in Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu may soon get some relief as the Supreme Court has directed the Centre to grant approval for chemical composition of green crackers.
According to various media reports, the SC has asked the Centre to submit the report by April 30, after it is formulated by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
A bench of Justices S A Bobde, M Shantanagoudar, and Indira Banerjee said that after PESO finalises the new formulation of fireworks, an approval of Union of India should also be taken so that manufacturing can start.
The Bench also said that any licensed manufacturer may apply for requisite approval in accordance with the relevant rules and orders.
Last year, the Supreme Court asked firecracker manufacturers to produce only ‘green’ or low-emission crackers to reduce air and noise pollution. Though the verdict was a win for public health, it left lakhs of people unemployed in the town of Sivakasi, which is a hub for firecrackers and matchbox manufacturing in India.
Last year, K Mariappan, General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Fireworks & Amorces Manufacturers, said, "There is no such thing as green firecrackers, not only in India, but anywhere in the world. At present, it is just an ambitious concept on the part of the government and the industry."
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