Haryana bans crackers in 14 NCR districts

Chandigarh, October 31

The Haryana Government today imposed a ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in 14 districts in the National Capital Region while restrictions were imposed in other parts.

The districts where the ban has been imposed are Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Faridabad, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Jind, Karnal, Mahendragarh, Nuh, Palwal, Panipat, Rewari, Rohtak and Sonepat.

An official spokesperson said the directive would also apply to all cities and towns in the state where average ambient air quality during November (as per the last year’s data) fell in the “poor” and above categories.

The cities and towns in which air quality was in the “moderate” or below categories, only green crackers would be sold, said the order, adding that the bursting of crackers during Diwali and other festivals would be allowed only from 8 pm to 10 pm. While the crackers will be allowed from 6 am to 8 am on Chhath festival, these will be allowed from 11.55 pm till 12.30 am on Christmas and New Year’s eve.

The spokespersons said the Haryana State Pollution Control Board would issue a list of the cities and towns seperately and make these available online on its website.

Bursting of firecrackers in communities would be promoted in areas where there was no ban, he said, adding that the sale of crackers would only be through licensed traders. No e-commerce websites will accept any online orders. — TNS

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