Thumbs up to HC order limiting cracker timings

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday ordered Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to allow bursting of crackers only from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Chandigarh Tribune spoke to a cross-section of people to know how they feel about it.

Teams will be formed

We will hold a meeting with the police and other enforcement authorities to plan a strategy for implementing the order of the High Court to fix timings for bursting of crackers. Teams of officers will also be formed to ensure the compliance of the order.

Rajiv Gupta, Additional Deputy Commissioner 

Order to check noise, air pollution

The order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the restriction on bursting crackers and permitting the same from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm only is almost in line with the order of the Apex Court, which was made in the larger interest of public health and controlling noise as well as air pollution.

Ajay Jagga, advocate 

Order binding on everyone

The order of the High Court for allowing the bursting of crackers from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm only is binding on everyone. Parents should ensure that children should burst crackers only within the permissible time.

Pawan Kumar Bansal, former Union Minister 

Two dimensions of order

There are two dimensions of the order of fixing the timing for bursting crackers. Though the intention of the order is noble as it aims at reducing pollution, the restriction should not be limited to one community/event only as it relates with faith, religion and the tradition.

Sanjay Tandon, president, BJP Chandigarh 

Will help reduce pollution

While Diwali is the festival of celebrations and people have been bursting crackers for years, the order of the court to limit the time should also be viewed in the right perceptive as it will help in reducing the pollution.

Ramkaran Gupta, president, Grain Market association 

Time should be extended

The intention of the order to fix the time limit for bursting crackers is in right direction, but it will be good if the time is extended for two more hours. The Administration should also ensure that the traders should not suffer losses, who have purchased crackers in advance investing a huge amount of money, after reducing the numbers of the licence.

Charanjeev Singh, chairman, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal

Ensure that directions are followed

We are yet to receive the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding timing for bursting of crackers. However, we will ensure that any directions by the court for the Police Department are followed.

OP Mishra, UT DIG

Cops to challan violators

The police would ensure strict compliance of the order and issue challans to people violating the order.

Kuldeep Singh Chahal, Mohali SSP

Celebrate cracker-free Diwali

It was a welcome move in view of the rising pollution in cities. I hope residents respect the decision and celebrate a cracker-free Diwali.

Balbir Singh Sidhu, Mohali MLA

Will comply with order

The order of the High Court will be complied with in letter and in spirit.

Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, Mohali DC

Decision taken too late

While pollution needed to be curbed, the decision was taken too late. What will cracker dealers do with the excess stock that will go unsold due to the order? Already, traders are suffering losses due to demonetisation and GST. The decision should have been taken 2 months ago.

Shailender Anand, senior vice-president of Beopar Mandal, Mohali

Residents should respect decision

I welcome the decision. A three-hour window for bursting crackers is good for all parties. It respects the tradition of bursting crackers while keeping pollution in check. The traders will be affected, but some sacrifices are required for the greater good of community. I will appeal to residents to respect the HC order.

Kulwant Singh, Mohali Mayor

Nobody will be allowed to violate orders

The Panchkula administration will fully comply with the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The draw of lots will be held at 5 pm on October 16. Nobody will be allowed to violate the orders of the High Court.

Gauri Parashar Joshi, Panchkula DC

A welcome step

The Panchkula Municipal Corporation is already spreading awareness for the “Green Diwali campaign”. The High Court order is a welcome step and the Municipal Corporation will also ensure strict implementation of HC order.

Rajesh Jogpal, Panchkula MC Commissioner

Duties to be assigned accordingly

We are yet to see the copy of the order. After receiving the order, I will hold a meeting with police officers and duties will be assigned accordingly for the implementation of the High Court order.

AS Chawla, Panchkula Police Commissioner

Assn members to follow directions

It is a welcome decision. The High Court has not banned bursting of crackers. It has only limited the time and day, which will save our environment. The association welcomes the High Court order and our association members will also comply with the directions.

Arun Grover, Chairman, Industries Welfare Association, Panchkula

Will help save people from health problems

Our association welcomes the High Court order as it will not only save the environment, but will also save people from other health problems, which are caused due to pollution after bursting crackers. I think the public should support the order issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Vishnu Goyal, state president, Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Will spread awareness among people

The order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court will ultimately help in protecting the environment. I along with my councillors will support the Punjab and Haryana High Court directions and will also spread awareness among the public to follow the same. 

Upinder Kaur Ahluwalia, Panchkula Mayor