Before this week, the Supreme court refused to hear the urgent plea against the banned firecrackers’ purchase and sale or use in Delhi till January 1, 2023. However, on October 10 2022, the Apex court refused to keep the Delhi order banning firecrackers until 1st January. As they don’t want to increase air pollution levels and add more to it. Some states have allowed the use of green crackers whereas, some have completely banned firecrackers.
But what are green crackers? And which states banned firecrackers completely? Here are the answers to these intriguing questions:
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What are Green Crackers?
The concept of green crackers came in 2018. These green crackers are designed with raw materials to reduce the overall impact on the environment and humans. Also, on these firecrackers, there is no harmful substance like carbon, potassium nitrate, barium, or aluminium. These green crackers have 30% fewer pollutants than regular crackers. Only registered places can sell these green crackers as they are prepared by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
see also – Why Buying a Property During Diwali 2022 is Auspicious?
List of States that Banned Firecrackers
Delhi
Till January 1st, 2023, the Delhi government passed an order banning firecrackers. Moreover, the Supreme Court on Thursday denied hearing the plea against the sale and purchase of firecrackers filed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. However, this decision infringes on the orders from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.
Punjab
For the Diwali festival, the Punjab government allows a two-hour window for bursting firecrackers from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Further, the States’ Environment, Science, and Technology Minister, Mr Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, said that the manufacturing, distribution, stock, sale and use of firecrackers are banned in the state. However, only licensed retailers will be allowed to sell green crackers.
The minister also stated that from Diwali, the bursting of crackers would only be permitted for a house from 4:00 am to 5:00 am and one hour from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm on 8th November on the occasion of Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev. He also allowed the use of crackers on the auspicious eve of Christmas and New Year from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.
Haryana
On Monday, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) banned the manufacturing, sale, and use of all sorts of firecrackers. However, green firecrackers can be used. However, several events that should occur during winter will only increase air pollution. Thus, there is a ban on firecrackers.
Tamil Nadu
Just like in previous years, the Tamil Nadu government has allowed the bursting of crackers only for an hour twice a day. The timings are from 6:00 am to 7:00 am and 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. These guidelines will help in controlling air pollution. It is also advised not to burst crackers near places like schools, hospitals, courts, etc.
West Bengal
The government of West Bengal allowed only the sale of green crackers during the Kali Puja on 24th October as per the order of the Calcutta High Court. Moreover, the court directed that there would be no regular fireworks apart from green crackers. The green crackers with QR codes will be sold nationwide during the festival.
