Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, October 14-
The Punjab Government has issued comprehensive regulations governing the sale and use of firecrackers in the state during the festive seasons of Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
An official spokesperson of the state government said today that these festivals typically involve the use of firecrackers, which can detrimentally impact the respiratory health of vulnerable groups, including the elderly.
The spokesperson cited orders from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal, issued periodically for state compliance regarding firecracker use. In accordance with these orders, the State Government, exercising powers delegated by the Central Government under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has implemented prohibitions, restrictions and regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers in Punjab.
He said that a statewide ban has been imposed on the manufacture, stockpiling, distribution, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris). Only "green crackers" (those free from barium salts or compounds of antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic, lead or strontium chromate) are permitted for sale and use. Sales are restricted to licensed traders dealing exclusively in permitted firecrackers and storing, displaying or selling firecrackers exceeding permissible decibel levels is prohibited.