Chinese Firecrackers Sold Illegally in Nagpur Markets, Sparking Safety Concerns
Nagpur, India: Despite the ban, Chinese firecrackers are being sold openly in Nagpur markets, sparking safety concerns. These firecrackers, with a high potassium perchlorate content, carry a risk of unexpected explosions, especially in storage. Wholesale traders sell these items to local retailers, who then pass them to small shopkeepers. In areas like Gandhibagh, Jaripatka, and Lalimli in Itwari, shopkeepers are selling firecracker guns loaded with Chinese-made explosives, raising the chances of accidents.
Reports indicate some shopkeepers are hiding their Chinese firecracker stock in private homes or rented rooms to avoid police. The range of Chinese firecrackers this year is more dangerous than before. Once harmless items like "Popers" have increased in size and explosiveness. The most alarming is the "hand grenade" firecracker, resembling a real grenade, which releases smoke before exploding seconds after its pin is pulled.
These imported firecrackers also contain banned substances, such as potassium chlorate, priced cheaply at around ₹50 per kg, while safer powders in Indian-made crackers cost approximately ₹300 per kg. This price gap highlights the higher risk associated with Chinese firecrackers, as potassium perchlorate is prohibited in India due to safety concerns.
Aside from the explosive danger, Chinese firecrackers pose health risks. The raw materials can be toxic, and the smoke they emit contributes to respiratory issues, impacting public health.
