Due to the dual problems of COVID-19 and air pollution, many states have banned the bursting of firecrackers this festive season. While some states have announced a ban on firecrackers altogether, others have only banned the use of "imported" firecrackers.
Meanwhile, similar restrictions have reportedly been imposed in some other states. Here is a list of some states where firecrackers are banned.
(1.) Rajasthan: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday tweeted that his government has decided to ban the sale and bursting of firecrackers to protect the health of COVID-19 patients. The state government has also announced a fine of Rs 2,000 on anyone who violates the order.
(2.) Odisha: One day after Rajasthan, the Odisha government too, announced a ban on the sale of firecrackers from November 10-30. In an order, Odisha Chief Secretary AK Tripathi said, “Anyone violating this order will be punished under the provision of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other related laws.
(3.) Sikkim: On Wednesday, the Sikkim government announced a ban on firecrackers to protect the health of COVID-19 patients and people recovering from the disease. Chief Secretary SK Gupta said in a notification, "The number of cases has come down and it was felt that the use of firecrackers would increase air pollution which could be dangerous for COVID-19 patients."
(4.) Delhi: The national capital, which is already struggling with pollution, this time too COVID-19 is also a big challenge for them. Amid a huge increase in fresh daily infections in recent times, including record highs, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced a ban on the use of all firecrackers by 30 November.
(5.) West Bengal: On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court banned the use of firecrackers on Kali Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja due to Kovid-19 in the state. “The court has banned the sale and use of firecrackers during Kali Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja this year. There will be no immersion procession this year.
(6.) Maharashtra: Maharashtra on Friday issued guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19 during Diwali, urging citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers. However, in Mumbai, the civic body of the state capital, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), announced on Thursday that it would prohibit the bursting of firecrackers in public places in the city. The agency also warned to punish the violators.
Meanwhile, states like Haryana and Madhya Pradesh have banned the sale and distribution of "imported" firecrackers. On the other hand, Karnataka is considering banning the lines announced by Rajasthan.