Image source: latestlaws.com
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a total ban on the sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi-national capital region (NCR) from the midnight of November 9 to that of November 30, in a 58-page order, which was issued on Monday.
The ban has been imposed ahead of Diwali to prevent worsening of the atmosphere. The ban will be applicable to more than 2 dozen districts across four states that are a part of the NCR. Only green crackers – which are less polluting - will be sold in cities and towns where air quality is "moderate". The order stated that the timings for the use and bursting of firecrackers would be restricted to only two hours during festivals such as Diwali, which would be celebrated on November 14, as specified by the state.
For "other areas" with better air quality, NGT has made imposition of cracker ban optional, but directed states to "initiate special drives to contain air pollution from all sources in view of COVID-19".