As in the case of noise emission The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) has sought a defined standards to measure emission on bursting of firecrackers to enable compliance by makers while experimenting with new products. At a recent meeting with Additional Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industries and Internal Trade A. Shailendrasingh, additional secretary of TANFAMA S. Srinivasan pointed out that CSIR-NEERI reports indicated reduction of emissions in respect of firework products as a percentage level against the present emission level. “For example, improved chemical formulations developed by NEERI are expected to reduce the emission level by 30% to 25% from the existing level,” he said. Emission norms for fireworks were not yet defined as an absolute formula as done in the case of noise emission standards defined as “125 dB(AI) and 145 dB(C) pk” measured at a distance of four metres from the point of bursting” in the Environment Protection (Second Amendment) Rules, 1999. He said that in the absence of such defined standards with regards to emission in absolute units of measurements, manufacturers could not understand fully what was expected of them, a statement said. “Any fireworks manufacturer who wishes to introduce a totally new product or develops a new formulation on their own for reduction of emission for his product may not get the target value of emission to be complied with, or the maximum level of emission of various constituents of air pollution that is to be adhered to,” he said. He pointed out that such standards could be defined as X microgram or milligram per metre cube in a minute or an hour. Mr. Shailendrasingh agreed to the demand and opined that CSIR-NEERI's services might be sought in this regard, Mr. Srinivasan added. Leading fireworks manufacturers N.R.K.R. Rajarathnam, P. Ganesan, A. Murali, members of The Indian Fireworks Association and several fireworks dealers across the country attended the meeting. Manufacturers appraised the progress of implementation of NEERI CSIR proposals for bringing out Green or Reduced Emission Crackers and sought the cooperation of the department for early adoption/implementation of NEERI proposals. Concerns raised The Indian Fireworks Manufacturers Association, represented by Rajendra Raja, raised concerns over the financial implications on complaince of NEERI CSIR proposal. “It will be too burdensome,” he said. Since NEERI was a government body, the findings of NEERI-CSIR in respect of fireworks emission should be made available in public domain, a section of manufacturers insisted.