Ahead of Diwali on October 20, THIS state bans manufacturing, sale, bursting of firecrackers

The Sikkim Pollution Control Board on Saturday issued an order banning the manufacture, sale and explosion of all kinds of sound and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20.

The Pollution Control Board has urged citizens to avoid using firecrackers and single-use plastic, encouraging eco-friendly alternatives such as light displays and other environmentally conscious celebrations during the festival.

Meanwhile, a fireworks market has been set up in Aligarh ahead of the Diwali festival and people are slowly becoming visible and shopping at the market.

Various types of firecrackers are available in the fireworks market at Aligarh’s Numai Ground, but especially this time firecrackers bearing the name of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and Indian cricketer Rinku Singh are available in the market and their sales are booming.

Separately, on October 15, the Supreme Court relaxed the earlier blanket ban on firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, allowing the sale and use of green fireworks subject to strict conditions.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandra allowed green firecrackers to be sold and burst only from October 18 to October 20.

The court stated that the permissible burst of green fireworks will be restricted to two days, i.e. between 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm on the day before Diwali and on the day of Diwali.

The apex court made it clear that the relaxation is only on a test case basis and the same will apply only for the specified period.
Emphasizing the need for a “balanced approach”, the court said celebrations should be allowed in a measured manner without compromising environmental concerns.

“We must take a balanced approach, taking into account conflicting interests and allowing for moderation, without compromising emerging environmental concerns,” the board said.