Rajasthan imposes complete ban on bursting, sale of firecrackers

The Rajasthan government on Thursday banned the purchase and sale of firecrackers during Diwali in the state. As per the orders issued by the government, the ban starts from October 1 to January 31, 2022.

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government on Thursday banned the bursting and sale of firecrackers during Diwali in the state. As per the orders issued by the government, the ban starts from October 1 to January 31, 2022.

The order comes a day after the Delhi Pollution Control Committee ordered a complete ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the national capital till January 1, 2022.

As per the order issued by Abhay Kumar, Principal Secretary, Home Department, it has been said that several experts have indicated a possibility of another surge of COVID-19 pandemic and largescale celebrations by the bursting of firecrackers will result not only in agglomeration of people in violation of social distancing norms but also a high level of air pollution leading to serious health issues in Rajasthan.

In a statement, it is said that the bursting of firecrackers under the prevalent pandemic crisis is not favorable for the cause of larger community health given the significant relationship between air pollution and respiratory infections.

Read: Complete ban on bursting, sale of firecrackers up to Jan 1 in Delhi

The State Government in the Explosives Act, 1884 read with the Explosives Rules, 2008, advises the Licensing Authority to issue licenses for fireworks, keeping in mind the health of citizens in the state.

Last year too, the Rajasthan government had banned fireworks during Diwali and New Year, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.