GANDHINAGAR: The state home department issued a notification on Saturday, prohibiting bursting of firecrackers in public places and banning the sales of imported firecrackers. The notification will be in force for the Diwali and Gujarati New Year, along with the Christmas and New Year festivals.
Following a Supreme Court order, since 2018, the state government has been enforcing a notification that firecrackers cannot be burst in public places during festivals.
The home department has asked all police commissioners and district magistrates to issue necessary prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in their respective jurisdictions.
The home department notification also states that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has written a letter dated October 19, asking states to take action against illegal import, stocking and sales of imported firecrackers. The department has asked commissioners and district magistrates to take necessary action against persons engaged in such activities.
On Friday, state government spokesperson and deputy CM Nitin Patel had said that like some other states, the Gujarat government has no intention of banning bursting of firecrackers during the Diwali season. He, however, had added that if there were specific directions from the SC or central government, the state will follow them. Fears have been expressed from several quarters that pollution caused by firecrackers will worsen the pandemic situation.