Sale of banned Chinese crackers booms Although of better quality, these firecrackers contain harmful chemicals

Sale of banned Chinese crackers booms

Although of better quality, these firecrackers contain harmful chemicals

Illegal Chinese crackers have become a hit among Diwali shoppers. Being cheaper and technologically superior, the firecrackers have captured a large part of the city’s market. The crackers, which are high in demand, are made of chemicals containing substances banned in India such as potassium chloride, which adds colour and sound to the fireworks. A vendor in Masjid Bunder said on condition of anonymity: “Though such crackers are illegal, we stock them because there is a demand for them. People especially ask for Chinese crackers as they are of a better quality than the Indian ones.” Some of the crackers are illegal exported from China and some are made in the country using the banned substances. “Such crackers are giving Indian manufacturers a tough competition. People prefer them because they have a variety of colours and good aerial range. But they are illegal in the country,” said Minesh Mehta, Mumbai and Thane District Fireworks Dealers’ Welfare Association. Mehta added that the government needs to relax restrictions on domestic firecracker manufacturers so that they can compete globally. “We cannot manufacture fireworks after evening and there are many restrictions on exports and imports. With prices of raw materials rising, it has become difficult for domestic manufacturers to compete with the Chinese,” Mehta added.