A number of states have deliberated on the twin problems of Covid-19 and air pollution, so some states have taken the move to have a total ban, while others have given a prohibition regarding the use of “imported” firecrackers.
Likewise, other states are contemplating a similar ban.
Rajasthan’s Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot took to Twitter announcing the decision of the ban the sale and bursting of firecrackers for protecting the health of the Covid-19 workers and simultaneously protecting the masses of the state from poisonous smoke emerging from the firecrackers. Also, it was penalty of Rs. 2,000 for someone violating the order.
Odisha announced the ban on sale of firecrackers from November 10 – 30, just a day after Rajasthan declared the ban. Issuing the order, Odisha chief secretary AK Tripathy stated, “Any person found violating this order shall be punished under the provision of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and other relevant laws.”
The Sikkim government announced a blanket ban on the sale of firecrackers for safeguarding the health of the Covid-19 patients who have been recovered. Chief secretary, SK Gupta said, “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.”
Delhi, particularly, famous in the territory of air pollution, has toxic smog in the days post Diwali, is also hit by Covid-19. Observing the current trend of spike in the daily Covid-19 positive cases, Arvind Kejriwal, declared a ban on the use of firecrackers till the end of November.
On Thursday, Calcutta High Court issued an order directing ban of firecrackers in the state of West Bengal for the occasions Kali Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja for verifying the contagion of Covid-19 in the state. Sabyaschi Chatterjee, who filed the PIL in court for the orders, “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.”
Maharashtra on Friday passed the order for preventing the spread of Covid-19 amid Diwali, pestering the citizens to refrain from bursting crackers. However, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced on Thursday announced ban for bursting crackers exclusively at public places in the city.
Karnataka, on Friday announced ban on bursting of crackers, as passed by the state chief minister, Yediyurappa stated, “Due to Covid-19 and other reasons, we have decided to ban bursting of crackers during Diwali this year.”
