Haryana government takes U-turn, allows sale and use of crackers on festivals
Days after announcing the cracker ban in Haryana ahead of Diwali 2020, the state government has lifted the ban allowing the sale and use of firecrackers for two hours on festivals including Diwali, Gurupurab, and Kartik Poornima.
The Haryana government, lifting cracker ban, has allowed people to burst firecrackers for two hours - 8 pm to 10 pm - on Diwali, Gurupurab, and Kartik Poornima, the order stated.
The order was announced hours after Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar cited the relaxations on being questioned about the economic losses to traders.
Also Read | 7 fun-filled ways to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers
Khattar had said that coronavirus cases have been rising ever since the air pollution increased. He also said that the daily case count of COVID-19 had come down to 1,000 which has now increased to more than 2,000.
Therefore, the Haryana govt decided to ban the sale and bursting of firecrackers to safeguard people's health, however, for those who want to burst crackers, we will allow for two hours, Khattar added.
Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has put a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi and neighbouring districts.
-PTC News
