IISER Scientist Creates Smoke-Free Firecracker from Plastic Bottles

Dr. Samrat Ghosh, a chemical scientist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, has innovated a pollution-free firecracker. His solution, which began with an empty plastic bottle, emerged in response to growing concerns over firecracker pollution. The initiative followed a Supreme Court order temporarily restricting firecracker use in the NCR in October 2017, and a call from then Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan for safer alternatives.

As an assistant professor in IISER Mohali's Department of Chemical Sciences, Dr. Ghosh developed the "IISER-M pollution-free firecracker" using recycled plastic bottles and a special combustible formulation. Unlike conventional crackers, his device employs a small launcher mechanism. When triggered, the material ignites, generating pressure that propels the bottle upwards like a rocket, creating a loud bang without visible smoke, particulate matter, or debris. The device also features adjustable sound levels and can even release a fragrance, replacing the traditional gunpowder smell with scents like lavender.

His team developed both aerial and non-aerial reusable prototypes. In 2019, they further refined the formulation by incorporating distilled cow urine, which reduced the cost by 50% without compromising performance in sound, light, or flight. An emission study is underway at IISER to analyze gases released during combustion. Beyond Diwali, the innovation holds potential for applications such as deterring animals from agricultural fields or clearing airport runways, though commercialization was still under development and awaiting patents as of reports in 2018.

Why it matters: This innovation offers a cleaner way to celebrate, addressing environmental concerns with ingenuity.

Editor's note: The draft effectively summarizes the innovation and the research behind it, accurately reflecting the source material.