12 sites in Mohali for sale of crackers

Tribune News Service

Mohali, October 14

A day after the High Court ordered to fix the timing of bursting crackers on Diwali from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, residents in the district said the order was a prudent move to curb rising pollution levels in the district.

The High court, taking cognisance of the deteriorating air quality, decided to permit sale of licenses to only 20 per cent of last year's number of cracker sellers. In 2016, 92 applications for licenses were received in Mohali and over 100 applications were received in Dera Bassi. Jasbir Singh, Assistant Commissioner (G) said, "Fresh applications will be accepted from vendors for sale and storage of firecrackers till 2pm on October 16 and draw of lots will be held at 5 pm on the same day." The  Mohali administration has earmarked 12 sites for sale of crackers in the district.

In the Mohali sub-division, the administration has earmarked five sites, while in the Dera Bassi and Kharar sub-divisions, the number of sites is four and three, respectively.

Residents say it’s need of the hour

The court should impose a blanket ban on sale of fire-crackers in the district. Diwali is a festival of lights. It should not be linked to bursting of crackers. — Prof Swaran Chaudhary, vice-president, Mohali Senior Citizens Association

Such a regulation was the need of the hour considering the air pollution in the city. A three-hour window should suffice for people who want to continue the tradition of bursting crackers. — Lt Colonel (Retd) SS Sohi, president, Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell

The authorities should consider a complete ban on the sale of crackers. The decision may affect the traders, but it is good for the environment. — Amarjeet S Bhullar,  senior vice-president, Residents Welfare Association, Sector 71

Deter people from buying crackers

The order must be strictly implemented. The authorities can flash a helpline number where people can send their complaints against the violations of the court’s order. — Satvir Singh Dhanoa,  Municipal Councillor, Ward No. 23

Pollution is a leading cause of respiratory ailments. This decision will deter people from buying crackers and it will ultimately lead to a reduction in pollution levels. — Paramjit Singh Kahlon, Municipal Councillor, Ward No. 18

A strong measure is necessary to curb pollution. Residents must respect the order and take precautions since many fire accidents occur on Diwali. — RP Sharma, Municipal Councillor, Ward No.1

Decision will lead to losses in crores for traders

Air pollution is caused by automobiles and industrial discharge. But the authorities are banning crackers due to pollution. — Seemant Sood, cracker dealer from Kurali

The decision will lead to losses in crores. Some vendors, who have already purchased the stock, may not get licences. They will default on their loans since the business runs on credit. — Ajay Sood, wholesale cracker trader from Zirakpur

The business has come down by 50%. Customers are wary after the court order, which affects sales. The price of crackers will plummet if the stock remains unsold. — Sajjan Dhingra, cracker trader from Kurali

Officialspeak

The suspended particulate matter (STP) increases due to crackers, stubble burning and vehicular traffic leading to cases of bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. To sample the particulate matter in air, we install machines in residential, commercial and silent zones before Diwali and also on the eve of Diwali. The machines will be set up in Phase II, near Ivy Hospital and Phase VII to assess the pollution level. — An official of Punjab Pollution Control Board, Mohali