West Bengal Bans Sale And Bursting Of Firecrackers During Upcoming Festival Season, Will Allow 'Green Crackers' Up To 2 Hours

The West Bengal government imposed a complete ban on the sale and bursting of fire crackers during upcoming festival season. However, bursting of green crackers will be permitted for two hours (8 p.m. to 10 p.m.) during Deepavali; 2 hours (6 a.m. to 8 a.m.) during Chhat Puja; and for 85 minutes (11:55 p.m. – 1:20 a.m.) during Christmas and New Years’ eve.

According to an order issued by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, the ban has been imposed in compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment in 2018 and directions of the Green Tribunal.

The order also stated that the bursting of firecrackers releases harmful chemicals and causes severe impact on the conditions of COVID-19 positive persons and individuals staying in home isolation.

Other than the festivals specified by WB Pollution Control Board, prior permission of the District Magistrate/Commissioners of Police/Superintendents of Police will be required for use of only green crackers for a limited period (not more than two hours) in the State of West Bengal, the order further stated.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also announced a ban on firecrackers on September 15, claiming it was "essential to save lives".

On September 28, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee ordered a complete ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the national capital till January 1, 2022.

AAP government also said that strict action will be taken under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Explosives Act against anyone found burning firecrackers.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that stubble burning peaks around Diwali and the combination of smoke from farm fires and emissions from firecrackers can prove fatal for senior citizens and children.

Also Read: Delhi: Kejriwal Government Launches Awareness Campaign Against Firecrackers, To Invoke IPC And Explosives Act Against Those Bursting Crackers