Tamil Nadu to push green cracker production in meeting with Sivakasi manufacturers this month: Minister V.K. Rajeev

V.K. Rajeev. File

The Tamil Nadu government will convene a meeting with firecracker manufacturers and industry associations in Sivakasi towards the end of November to encourage the production of green crackers, Environment Minister V.K. Rajeev said in a press meet on Tuesday (November 10, 2026). The initiative is expected to reduce emissions from firecrackers by 30%, he said.

On Chennai recording higher pollution levels this Deepavali, the Minister said the government would take up targeted awareness campaigns in Valasaravakkam, where the air quality levels were the highest in the city on Deepavali for the third consecutive year. The government would also encourage tree planting in the locality, he said.

As announced in the Assembly, monitoring stations would be installed at 80 locations, for which a Government Order would be issued shortly, he said.

On air pollution levels exceeding an AQI of 1,000 in some areas, Dr. Rajeev said the TNPCB reported daily average readings, unlike private monitoring platforms that provided hourly data. He said pollution peaked between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. as people burst crackers simultaneously at night, but the levels declined after 11 p.m.

Towards the end of November, the government would convene a meeting with firecracker manufacturers and industry associations in Sivakasi to discuss their production, he said, adding that several companies had already cooperated with the initiative and increased production of green crackers.

Referring to the air quality readings recorded after Deepavali, the Minister said that weaker wind flow during the monsoon could affect the dispersal of pollutants. He added that a significant number of vehicles come onto the roads after festival celebrations end, which can add to the pollution levels.

Dismissing allegations by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on the closure of over 450 industrial units resulting in job losses, Dr. Rajeev said the TNPCB had ordered the closure of only 171 units, which included 133 through the Board and 38 through district administrations.

“These units are in his home district. His anger stems from the fact that factories belonging to his associates are now facing scrutiny, unlike during his tenure when no action was taken against them. We cannot remain inactive. Any industry that harms the public or damages the environment will face immediate action,” he said.