“Prior permission of the district magistrate /commissioners of police/ superintendents of police shall be required for use of only green crackers for a limited period (not more than two hours) in the state” – stated the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) on October 26.
The board has ordered a complete ban on the sale and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers except green crackers in the state until further orders.
The state pollution control board order said that there shall be strict compliance with all terms and conditions mentioned in the order passed by the Supreme Court regarding the bursting of firecrackers.
The WBPCB made an announcement that only green crackers can be sold in the state and the bursting of these crackers will only be allowed for two hours – between 8 pm to 10 pm during Diwali.
The order further stated that the decision has been taken considering the fact that bursting of firecrackers leaves a serious impact on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups and also aggravates the health conditions of people who are still battling Covid-19.
The national capital of India along with its neighboring Gurugram will observe a cracker-free festival of light. The Rajasthan government too has banned the sale and use of crackers from October 1. The Gujarat government, however, has made no remarks in this matter.
