Sivakasi: Despite accounting for over 85% of India’s fireworks production, Sivakasi, the country’s fireworks hub, is facing an existential crisis. The Sivakasi firecracker industry has been severely impacted by various regulatory hurdles and economic setbacks. The ban on firecrackers in Delhi, coupled with restrictions in other cities, has significantly reduced demand.
Additionally, the pandemic-led sales slump, the prohibition on using barium nitrate, and the ban on manufacturing and selling joined firecrackers have further exacerbated the industry’s woes.
Although Diwali sales have shown a marginal improvement over last year’s figures, production in the organized sector remains subdued. Industry sources reveal that sales are yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, casting a shadow over the sector’s long-term viability.
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As the festive season comes to a close, the struggling fireworks industry in Sivakasi awaits a much-needed revival to ensure its survival.
Diwali Celebration Gets a Green Makeover: Eco-Friendly Crackers Take Center Stage
The government has banned the use of barium nitrate in firecracker production, a major contributor to air pollution. This move comes after the Supreme Court’s 2018 order to manufacture only green crackers to minimize environmental damage.
Contrary to popular belief, green firecrackers don’t turn green when they explode. The green color is only achievable with barium nitrate, which is now banned. Instead, manufacturers use potassium nitrate mixed with blue, red, and yellow colors to create colorful explosions that attract children.
Gunasekaran, a 30-year veteran of the firecracker industry in Sivakasi, highlights the benefits of green crackers. “They’re sold at the same price as regular firecrackers, but emit 30% less smoke and use fewer chemicals than Chinese crackers.”
The shift to green crackers has been a gradual process. In 2015, volunteers filed a case in the Supreme Court, citing environmental concerns. By 2018, the Supreme Court ordered the production of green crackers, and ‘Neeri’ submitted a report with the formula. Today, over 300 factories produce green crackers, employing 3 lakh people directly and 5 lakh indirectly in Virudhunagar District alone.
However, the transition could have been smoother. Many factories are still awaiting permits, and production has decreased by 30% due to various problems. The coronavirus pandemic also affected the industry, with rotational employment for workers.
Despite these challenges, shop owners in Virudhunagar District are gearing up to sell green firecrackers from Ayudha Puja. With 2,500 retail shops, customers can choose from a variety of eco-friendly options. Though customer traffic is slower than usual, the push for green crackers is a step towards a more sustainable Diwali celebration.
