The coronavirus pandemic has already dampened big celebrations like Kerala’s Thrissur Pooram and Kolkata’s Durga Puja. Now, Diwali too will take place on a low key in the various states of India. To combat the spread of COVID-19 and keep a check on air pollution levels, many states have already banned the sale and use of firecrackers. Some other states have issued strict guidelines on bursting firecrackers and celebrating Diwali. Here are all the details.
States That Have Banned The Use Of Firecrackers
Rajasthan
The government of Rajasthan has prohibited the sale of firecrackers this festive season. Reportedly, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has said in his statement that protecting the lives of the people is paramount for the government in these challenging times. He has also ordered strict actions against the sale of crackers to curb pollution levels and protect the health of the virus-infected patients and the general public.
West Bengal
The government of West Bengal has put bans on the bursting of firecrackers during Kali Pujo and Diwali. According to a News18 report, chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay has said, “West Bengal government will not allow bursting of firecrackers during Kali Puja and Diwali festivals to check air pollution and also because they are hazardous for Covid-19 patients.”
Odisha
Odisha has banned the sale and use of firecrackers from November 10 to 30. A notification by the office of special relief commissioner states, “The technical expert committee of the state government has recommended for the prohibition of burning of firecrackers to protect the vulnerable groups like elderly, children, persons with co-morbidities and others.”
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States That Have Imposed Restrictions On The Use Of Firecrackers
Delhi
The Delhi government has permitted the sale and use of only ‘eco-friendly’ green crackers in areas where air quality is ‘moderate’. The Capital has imposed a total ban on bursting of crackers in the ‘severe’ zones of air pollution from November 9 to 30. As per reports, violators of the order might have to face imprisonment for 1.5 to 6 years. Also, the government has published some open spaces in moderate zones where the city people can burn green crackers between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali. According to an NDTV report, the latest order reads, “If nothing is specified, timing will be 8-10 PM on Diwali and Gurupurb, 6 AM-8 AM on Chhatt and 11.55 PM-12.30 AM during Christmas and New Year’s eve.”
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Karnataka
Karnataka has published norms for the use of green crackers for Diwali. Green crackers can be on sale in the state from November 1 to 17 in open spaces to allow buyers and sellers to maintain social distancing. The surroundings of the cracker shops need to undergo sanitisation. Also, the shopkeepers will have to arrange for hand sanitizers. Both buyers and sellers of the green crackers need to wear face masks. According to a Deccan Chronicle report, Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar has said, “Keeping in mind the existing situation, there is a need to celebrate the festival in a simple, meaningful and devotional way.”
Maharashtra
While many states have already banned crackers, Maharashtra has also issued guidelines for Diwali. With the possibility of the second wave of coronavirus, lighting and bursting of firecrackers have been banned in Mumbai. The government has forbidden firecrackers and urged people to celebrate the festival with simplicity. Gatherings in public places are not allowed, and the use of masks and sanitisers is mandatory. The government has said that the violators will be penalised.
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Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has also banned the sale and use of Chinese firecrackers ahead of Diwali. The government warned that strict actions would be taken against people violating the rules or anyone found selling or using Chinese crackers. The import of Chinese or any other foreign crackers has been made entirely illegal without a license. The Director-General, Foreign Trade, has informed that there is no permit issued for the import of foreign or Chinese firecrackers. Hence, storage, transport and sale of such products are entirely banned.
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According to a report by Medicover Hospitals, firing crackers in Diwali can drastically increase the level of dust and pollutants in the air. The report states, “After firing, the fine dust particles get settled on the surrounding surfaces which are packed with chemicals like copper, zinc, sodium, lead, magnesium, cadmium and pollutants like oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. These invisible yet harmful particles affect the environment and in turn, put our health at stake.” The chemicals can be harmful to our respiratory system, nervous system and even blood levels. Amid the coronavirus crisis, keeping our immunity strong is very important. So, ensure that you enjoy the celebrations but in a safe, hygienic and socially distanced way. Meanwhile, here’s how Kamiya Jani is prepping for Diwali with her daughter Ziana: