Posted On:
02 DEC 2025 8:39PM by PIB Mumbai
Nagpur : 2 December 2025
The CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur has achieved another significant milestone with its designation as the National Centre of Excellence on Green Firecrackers (NCoE-GF).
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), virtually inaugurated the NCoE-GF at CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur and the Centre of Excellence on Green Firecrackers (CoE-GF) at CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu) on Tuesday.
In her address, Dr. Kalaiselvi congratulated CSIR-NEERI and CSIR-CECRI for establishing state-of-the-art Centres of Excellence that will support fireworks associations and manufacturers across the country. Recalling that the idea was conceptualised during her tenure as Director, CSIR-CECRI, she noted that firecrackers form an integral part of traditional celebrations, especially during Diwali.
She highlighted that Sivakasi—an aspirational district where over 80% of livelihoods depend on the firecracker sector—will benefit significantly from these dedicated Centres. She added that the Centres will ensure safe, cost-effective and scientifically validated green firecrackers, and will help prevent delays in certification, particularly in light of recent directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court mandating certification by CSIR-NEERI.
Dr. Kalaiselvi underlined that CSIR-NEERI’s pioneering work on Green Firecrackers has earned national recognition, including appreciation from the Hon’ble Supreme Court. She emphasised the need for close collaboration between CSIR-NEERI, CSIR-CECRI and other CSIR laboratories to ensure that green firecracker technologies reach every part of the country, benefitting society and safeguarding the environment.
She urged scientists to develop at least six new green firecracker formulations by next year, customise variants to suit regional festivities, and explore programmable green firecrackers using AI/ML technologies.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI; Dr. K. Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI; Dr. P. Thanikaivelan, Director, CSIR-CLRI; Dr. K. J. Sreeram, Former Director, CSIR-CLRI; Mr. Ganesan, President, TANFAMA; Dr. Alok Paul, Scientist-in-Charge, CSIR-CECRI Chennai; Dr. R. J. Krupadam, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEERI; and Dr. R. Sivacoumar, Scientist-in-Charge, CSIR-NEERI Chennai.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. S. Venkata Mohan outlined CSIR-NEERI’s extensive research on green firecrackers in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, manufacturers and other stakeholders. He stated that the NCoE-GF and CoE-GF will function through a hub-and-spoke model to strengthen research, technology dissemination and industry outreach.
Dr. K. Ramesha affirmed CSIR-CECRI’s commitment to working closely with CSIR-NEERI to advance innovation in green firecracker technologies. Dr. K. J. Sreeram emphasised that impactful outcomes are achieved when science, innovation and collaborative efforts converge, while Dr. P. Thanikaivelan highlighted the national importance of the green firecracker programme.
On the occasion, Dr. Kalaiselvi released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the functioning of the NCoE-GF and CoE-GF, under which both institutes will operate.
Dr. R. J. Krupadam presented an overview of the Centres and the evolution of green firecracker research, including CSIR-NEERI’s development of basic formulations. Proceedings were conducted by Dr. Alok Paul and the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. R. Sivacoumar.
PIB Nagpur | Saurabh Khekde / Priti Malandkar
Follow us on social media: 
@PIBMumbai 
/PIBMumbai 
/pibmumbai 
pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com 
/PIBMumbai 
/pibmumbai