Chhattisgarh

• 28 Oct 2023

Only Green Firecrackers will be Sold and Used in the State

Why In News?

• According to the information given by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on October 26, 2023, only the use and sale of green fire-crackers will be allowed in the state. Also, a two-hour period has been fixed for bursting fire-crackers on the occasion of Deepawali, Chhath, Guru Parv, New Year/ Christmas.

Key Points:

• The district administration officials have been directed to strictly follow the directions regarding the use of firecrackers as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.
• A two-hour period has been fixed for bursting firecrackers on the occasion of Deepawali, Chhath Puja, Guru Parv, New Year/Christmas. The timings for Deepawali have been fixed from 8 pm to 10 pm, Chhath Puja from 6 am to 8 am, Guru Parv from 8 pm to 10 pm. The time for Christmas/New Year has been fixed from 11.55 pm to 12.30 pm.
• In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section 5 of section 19 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the state government has prohibited the burning of firecrackers in urban areas of Raipur, Bilaspur, Bhilai-Durg, Raigarh and Korba from December 1 to January 31.
• According to the order passed by the Supreme Court on November 23, 2018, some other instructions have also been given regarding the use of firecrackers. Instructions have been given to sell improved and green firecrackers that cause less pollution only by licensed traders.
• Also, only those firecrackers can be sold in the market for use, whose level of sound is within the prescribed limit. The sale, use and manufacture of series firecrackers or sticks has been banned.
• Directions have also been issued to cancel the license of manufacturers of firecrackers who have used lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead and mercury in firecrackers. The sale of firecrackers online, i.e. e-commerce websites, such as Flipkart, Amazon etc. will be prohibited.