Diwali 2020: From Rajasthan to Delhi, states/UTs which have announced cracker ban

Ahead of Diwali 2020, number of states have banned firecrackers in an order to curb COVID-19 and air pollution. Days after Rajasthan announced cracker ban, Delhi too has joined the list and banned firecrackers to curb air pollution.

Here’s a list of states/UTs where firecrackers have been banned, in one form or another, ahead of Diwali 2020:

Chandigarh: UT administration banned crackers under disaster management act in Chandigarh.

Rajasthan: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted on Monday that his government has decided to ban the sale and bursting of firecrackers. Rajasthan government announced a penalty of Rs 2,000 on anyone found violating the order.

Odisha: A day after Rajasthan, the Odisha government also announced a ban on the sale of firecrackers, from November 10-30. Odisha chief secretary AK Tripathy said, “Any person found violating this order shall be punished under the provision of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and other relevant laws."

Also Read | This state puts a ban on firecrackers ahead of Diwali 2020

Sikkim: On Wednesday, the Sikkim government announced a cracker ban to curb the spread of Covid-19. “The number of cases has been on the decline and it was felt the use of firecrackers would increase air pollution that could be hazardous for Covid-19 patients,” a notification signed by chief secretary SK Gupta stated.

Delhi: On Thursday, Delhi, which is witnessing air pollution and Covid-19, announced cracker ban. Amid a massive surge in fresh cases, including record highs, the chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced a ban on the use of all firecrackers till November 30.

West Bengal: The Calcutta High Court banned the use of crackers in the state on Kali Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Haryana: While several states have banned firecrackers in an order to contain the spread of COVID-19 via pollution, the Haryana government has decided the same.

Also Read | India’s coronavirus recoveries exceed new cases continuously

Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government on Friday issued guidelines for curbing the spread of Covid-19 during Diwali 2020, urging citizens to avoid bursting crackers. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), announced it will ban bursting of firecrackers in the city.

Karnataka: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said, "We have taken a decision not to allow bursting of firecrackers in the state, in wake of COVID-19 pandemic."

-PTC News