As Delhi Bans Crackers To Curb Pollution, Rajasthan Allows Sale Of Green Crackers

Last month, Delhi completely banned firecrackers ahead of the festive season to tackle the air pollution in the national capital.

However, Rajasthan, on Friday, permitted the use and sale of green crackers in the state, except in areas that come under the National Capital Region (NCR).?

In an order issued on September 30, the state government had banned the sale and use of firecrackers from October 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022, in view of the danger posed to patients of COVID-19 and other diseases by their toxic fumes.

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However, the Home Department issued an amended advisory on Friday allowing the use and sale of green crackers in the state, except in areas that come under the NCR. The sale and use of green crackers will be permitted in Rajasthan, barring the NCR, the order said.

The use of green crackers will be allowed on Diwali, Gurupurab, and other festivals (from 8 pm to 10 pm), during Chhath (from 6 am to 8 am), and on Christmas and New Year (from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am), it said. The ban, however, will remain in force in cities with poor air quality. The air quality index can be checked on the pollution control board's web portal, it added.

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Green crackers can be identified by scanning the QR code on the cracker box using the NEERI mobile application, the order said.

Delhi's air quality is starting to deteriorate, with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) announcing a "complete ban" on September 28 pertaining to the sale and bursting of all forms of firecrackers in the city till January 1, 2022.