The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has come up with new and improved formulations in the manufacture of sound-emitting crackers and other fireworks keeping in view the pollution hazard and health risks.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan displayed some of the popular products like flower pots, pencils, chakkar and sparklers, developed by CSIR, at a press conference in New Delhi today. He announced that the products developed by CSIR are available in the market for consumers and for the sellers.

The Minister said that nearly 230 MoUs and 165 Non-disclosure Agreements (NDAs) have been signed with the manufacturers of fireworks. He said the new formulations for green crackers were based on the suggestions made by Supreme Court.

Replying to a question, Dr Harsh Vardhan said the price of the new products is either less or equal to their market value.

Earlier, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Director, said CSIR has developed new formulations for reduced emission light and sound emitting crackers with a 30 per cent reduction in particulate matter using Potassium Nitrate as an oxidant.