This move marks the establishment of India’s first cold firecracker plant in Bengal, a step towards ending dependence on Chinese imports.
With state support for a safe, smokeless fireworks unit at Champahati or Maheshtala, a market worth Rs 200 crore is now within reach.
A significant group of firecracker manufacturers in Bengal is preparing to launch India’s first cold firecracker factory next year, with support from the state government.
They pointed out that no such facility exists in the country, as China is the sole source of cold fireworks. Every year, India sells cold firecrackers worth approximately ₹200 crore.
Sukdeb Naskar, the general secretary of the All Bengal Trinamool Green Firecrackers Manufacturing Workers’ Union, said, “We’ve already outlined a plan to establish a cold firecracker factory in Bengal. We’ve spoken with the principal secretary of the micro, small, and medium enterprises department, and he has assured us of complete support in setting up the country’s first factory of its kind.”
Cold fireworks are a form of pyrotechnic show that combines liquid nitrogen with other chemicals to produce a distinct visual effect. Unlike conventional firecrackers, cold firecrackers generate neither heat nor sound, making them perfect for locations where noise and fire risks are a concern.
Cold firecrackers are popular at indoor events and cricket stadiums because they are safe and don’t pose any fire risks. Manufacturers have observed a significant rise in demand for cold firecrackers, driven by their “zero-risk” and “zero-pollution” features.
Sarkar said, “We’ve already reached out to LIT University in Nagpur, which has been working on developing the process for producing cold firecrackers with the help of experts from Germany and the UK. They’ve promised to visit the proposed manufacturing site soon. Additionally, we plan to start training about 250 firework manufacturers on how to produce cold firecrackers in January next year.” He also stated that cold fireworks represent the future of the firecracker industry.
According to a source, the government has recommended that firecracker manufacturers select either Champahati or Maheshtala in South 24-Parganas for establishing the cold firecracker unit.
The firecracker industry in Bengal has faced severe setbacks in recent years, with several explosions causing numerous deaths and putting the government in a difficult position. These repeated explosions and fatalities have raised concerns about the government’s ability to oversee illegal firecracker production units.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has conducted multiple meetings to support manufacturers in transitioning to green crackers, aiming to protect both workers and the public.
The government has built several firecracker clusters to provide small-scale producers with safe zones to operate while adhering to the necessary regulations. However, hundreds of firecracker manufacturers have expressed grievances to the Trinamool-backed union, claiming they were denied licenses despite meeting all the required criteria.
Sakti Pada Mondal, president of the union, stated, “We commend the state government for its efforts to safeguard the interests of firecracker manufacturers. With 1.5 lakh manufacturers spread across various districts in the state, the cold firecracker initiative will significantly enhance safety for producers and also contribute to reducing pollution.”
