Due to the twin problems of Covid-19 and air pollution, several states have banned the setting off of firecrackers this holiday season. While some states have announced a total ban, others have only banned the use of “imported” firecrackers.
Meanwhile, few other states are reported to be considering a similar ban.
Here is a list of some states where firecrackers have been banned, in one form or another, this Diwali season:
(1.) Rajasthan: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted on Monday that his government made the decision to ban the sale and setting off of firecrackers to protect the health of Covid-19 patients, as well as to protect the public from poisonous smoke emanating from the firecrackers. The state government has also announced a 2,000 rupee fine for anyone found to be in violation of the order.
(2.) Odisha: A day after Rajasthan, the Odisha government also announced a ban on the sale of popped firecrackers, from 10 to 30 November. In an order, Odisha Chief Secretary AK Tripathy said: “Anyone found to be in violation of this order will be punished under the provision of the Disaster Management Act of 2005 and other relevant laws.
(3.) Sikkim: On Wednesday, the Sikkim government also announced a total ban on firecrackers to safeguard the health of Covid-19 patients and those who have recovered from the disease. “The number of cases has decreased and it was considered that the use of firecrackers would increase air pollution that could be dangerous for Covid-19 patients,” said a notice signed by Chief Secretary SK Gupta.
(4.) Delhi: The national capital, which is constantly witnessing toxic smog days after Diwali, is also facing Covid-19 this time. Amid a massive spike in new daily infections in recent days, including record highs, Prime Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday a ban on the use of all firecrackers until November 30.
Read also | Delhi bans firecrackers because air quality is now ‘severe’
(5.) West Bengal: Also on Thursday, the Calcutta High Court banned the use of firecrackers in the state of Kali Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja to control the spread of Covid-19 in the state. “The court has banned the sale and use of fireworks and cookies during Kali Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja this year. This year there would be no immersion processions, ”said lawyer Sabyasachi Chatterjee, who had presented the PIL in court to request orders to that effect.
Read also | Firecrackers banned during Diwali, Kali and Chhath Puja in Bengal: Court
(6.)Maharashtra: Maharashtra on Friday issued guidelines to curb the spread of Covid-19 during Diwali, urging citizens to avoid popping cookies. However, in Mumbai, the civic body of the state capital, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), announced Thursday that it will ban the setting off of firecrackers in public places in the city. The agency also warned of penalizing offenders.
Meanwhile, states such as Haryana and Madhya Pradesh have banned the sale and distribution of “imported” firecrackers. Karnataka, on the other hand, is considering a ban similar to the one announced by Rajasthan.
(with contributions from the agency)
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