India is gearing for the celebration of Diwali 2021 on November 4. To curb air pollution due to the bursting of crackers states have imposed some restrictions. As per the direction of the Supreme Court of India, states and union territories (UTs) have released guidelines on the bursting of firecrackers. While some states have completely banned firecrackers, others have given a window for a few hours to burst only green crackers.
The Apex Court has said that those crackers that use Barium Salt are completely banned. The court said if states and UTs fail to implement their order, it will be viewed seriously.
Check out the statewide Diwali guidelines on bursting of firecrackers here:
1. Delhi:
The Delhi government has put a complete ban on sale and use of firecrackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on September 28 had ordered a complete ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the city till January 1, 2022. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said strict action will be taken under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Explosives Act against anyone found burning firecrackers.
2. Maharashtra:
The State government has urged people not to burst crackers this Diwali and issued directives keeping the air pollution and Covid-19 in mind. It has urged people to celebrate Diwali by lighting a lamp and avoiding firecrackers.
3. Rajasthan:
Sale and use of firecrackers in Rajasthan are banned from October 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. Green crackers can be used except in areas that come under the National Capital Region (NCR). The use of green crackers will be allowed on Diwali, Gurupurab and other festivals (from 8 pm to 10 pm), during Chhath (from 6 am to 8 am).
4. Punjab:
The Punjab government has announced a two-hour window to burst green firecrackers on Diwali and Gurpurb across the state. But it has imposed a complete ban in Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh, from Wednesday midnight onwards on account of poor air quality index (AQI) levels. The government order said that during Diwali, bursting of crackers shall be allowed from 8 to 10 pm.
5. Uttar Pradesh:
The state government has put a total ban on the sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers. This is in the NCR and all cities where air quality falls under the ‘poor’ or higher category.
6. Assam:
The Assam Pollution Control Board has imposed a blanket ban on the bursting and selling of firecrackers in the state. But the board has allowed the selling and bursting of green crackers only for two hours, from 8 pm to 10 pm during Diwali. During Chhath Puja from 6 am to 8 am and on Christmas and on New Year’s Eve from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.
7. Tamil Nadu:
The state government has banned the manufacture of firecrackers with Barium salt content and also the ‘Saravedi’ kind of firecracker (wherein single units are clubbed together to make it a string). Also storage, transportation and sale of such products are prohibited.
8. Karnataka:
The Karnataka government has issued an order allowing the sale and bursting of only green crackers during Diwali. As per the order, sellers who have taken necessary permits from concerned departments and authorities can only sell green crackers. Stalls selling green crackers can be opened only between November 1 to 10.
9. West Bengal:
The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) has banned the sale and use of all kinds of fireworks during Kali Puja, Diwali and other festivals.
10. Rajasthan:
The Rajasthan government has allowed the use and sale of green crackers in the state, except in areas that come under the National Capital Region (NCR). The use of green crackers will be allowed on Diwali, Gurupurab and other festivals (from 8 pm to 10 pm), during Chhath (from 6 am to 8 am) and on Christmas and New Year (from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am).
11. Odisha:
Odisha government has also banned the sale and use of firecrackers during the festive season. The sale and use of green crackers during Diwali may be allowed after discussions with fireworks sellers.
12. Puducherry:
The sale of firecrackers is allowed at subsidised rates. Papsco, a government agency is providing firecrackers at a 75% subsidy to the general public.
13. Chandigarh:
A complete ban on the sale and use of firecrackers in Chandigarh to prevent the risk of spread of Covid due to polluted atmosphere.
14. Chhattisgarh:
Bursting of firecrackers are allowed from 8 pm to 10 pm during Diwali and Guruparva; from 6 am to 8 am on Chhath Puja. But only Green crackers. The online sale of crackers has also been banned.
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