As COVID-19 Shadow Looms, Ban On Firecrackers During Diwali In These States

Given that India is dealing with the dual problems of COVID-19 and pollution, many states have banned, fully or partially, the use and sale of firecrackers to prevent the situation from worsening. Karnataka is the latest to join the bandwagon with Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announcing the ban because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are other states that have imposed a full or partial ban on firecrackers.

1. Rajasthan

A pioneer in this exercise, Chief minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted on November 2 informing about the ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers to protect the health of COVID-19 patients, and to protect people from inhaling poisonous smoke from the crackers. A fine of Rs 10,000 will be imposed on shopkeepers found selling firecrackers, while anyone bursting crackers will have to pay a penalty of Rs 2,000, The Free Press Journal (FPJ) reported.

2. Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister on Thursday announced a ban on the use of all firecrackers till November 30 as the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital reached “severe”. “Reviewed corona situation in Delhi and preparedness with the chief secretary, health officials and all DMs (district magistrates). Corona cases have increased due to festival season n pollution. It was decided to…ban crackers in Delhi,” the CM tweeted.

3. Odisha

Following the steps of the Rajasthan government, Odisha announced a ban on the sale of bursting firecrackers from November 10-30 on November 3. “Any person found violating this order shall be punished under the provision of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and other relevant laws,” The Hindustan Times quoted Odisha Chief Secretary AK Tripathy as saying.

4. Sikkim 

To protect COVID-19 patients, Sikkim has prohibited the use of firecrackers across the state. “The number of cases has been on the decline and it was felt the use of firecrackers would increase air pollution that could be hazardous for Covid-19 patients,” a notification signed by chief secretary SK Gupta said.

5. West Bengal 

The Calcutta High Court on November 5 banned the use and sale of firecrackers during festivals. “The court has banned the sale and use of fireworks and crackers during Kali Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja this year. There would be no immersion processions this year,” HT quoted lawyer Sabyasachi Chatterjee as saying.

6. Maharashtra 

Although the state government has not imposed a ban, it has urged people to avoid bursting crackers. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai declared on Thursday that it plans to ban the bursting of firecrackers at public places in the city, HT report said.

Meanwhile, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh have banned the sale and distribution of “imported” firecrackers.