The Uttar Pradesh state cabinet has decided to comply with the orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding firecrackers on Diwali. This resolution has been opted by the administration with respect to the continuously deteriorating air quality across the state. While many cities have imposed a complete ban on firecrackers, Lucknow has so far banned only certain categories of firecrackers.

According to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), “The NGT’s order is a detailed one and we will comply with it. The air quality is deteriorating and steps have to be taken to address the issue.” While Meerut has already imposed a ban on firecrackers, Lucknow has so far banned only certain categories of firecrackers.

So far only firecrackers banned in Lucknow are the most preferred ‘ladis’ or ‘chatai’ and other similar high decibel crackers. Joint Commissioner of Police also informed that, “Sale of only those crackers that are in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order would be allowed”.

The Lucknow district administration have marked certain sensitive regions in the city as ‘No Cracker Zones. These zones include hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions, court and zoological gardens. All activities of bursting firecrackers in these areas is strictly prohibited. As per the NGT guidelines, on festivals like Diwali and Gurupurab, fireworks would be allowed only between 8 pm and 10 pm, while on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, fireworks may start from 11.55 pm and continue till 12.30 am.

Though the restrictions and ban on firecracker activities may dull the festivities and celebrations this Diwali, it is an effective step to reduce the towering levels of air pollution in the state. Citizens are requested to cooperate with the state and NGT guidelines, in order to celebrate a safe and happy Diwali.

Owing to the declining air quality all across the state, sale and use of firecrackers is now banned in Lucknow and 11 other districts in UP. These cities include- Kanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Agra, Varanasi, Meerut, Hapur, Moradabad, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Bulandshahr and NCR. The ban will be effective from the midnight of November 9 and will go on till the 30th of December. This decision comes after the state agreed to comply with the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal on Monday.

-With inputs from IANS