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New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) Sale and use of green firecrackers will be allowed in the capital only from October 18 to 20, Delhi Police said on Thursday, warning that no other type of firecrackers will be allowed.
In a circular, Special Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Devesh Chandra Srivastava said, “Use of green crackers will be allowed only on the day before Diwali and between 6 am to 7 pm and 8 pm to 10 pm on the day of Diwali.”
He said Delhi Police has deployed patrolling and enforcement teams to ensure strict compliance. “Citizens are urged to celebrate Diwali responsibly and report violations on helpline 112,” he said.
Police said the three-day relaxation for bursting green crackers has been given in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India in the case of MC Mehta vs Union of India and others.
“Only green crackers approved by NEERI and having valid QR codes will be allowed to be sold through licensed traders at designated locations identified by the district administration and Delhi Police,” the police statement said.
The ban on all other firecrackers will remain in full force and strict legal action will be taken against the sale or use of banned, serial or purchased firecrackers online, Srivastava said.
The Delhi government on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s approval for the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in the capital and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR).
Several ministers, reacting to the relaxation in firecracker norms, congratulated the city’s residents and thanked the apex court for allowing ‘Green Diwali’ in the capital.
Delhi Minister Pravesh Verma said, “I congratulate all Delhiites for electing a government that has fulfilled its promise. Our Chief Minister had assured to celebrate Diwali as per tradition and the Supreme Court has respected these sentiments.”
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra said, “This is a welcome step. Our greatest gratitude goes to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for representing the sentiments of the people of Delhi before the Supreme Court. This time, permission has been given for green firecrackers. The Kejriwal government had deliberately imposed a ban.”
BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva said, “I welcome the decision to allow green firecrackers during Diwali. BJP has always supported celebrating Diwali with firecrackers.”
He said, “Earlier, when Arvind Kejriwal’s government was in power, it used to present misleading facts before the court, due to which a complete ban on firecrackers was imposed. Today, we have a government that supports Sanatan Dharma. I do not believe that pollution happens in a day; it is the result of many factors.”
–IANS
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