Only green crackers to be burst for 2 hours on Diwali: AP government

Vijayawada, November: The Andhra Pradesh government has restricted the bursting of crackers to two hours to mitigate the possible air and sound pollution during Diwali.

The AP government has issued orders restricting the bursting of firecrackers as per the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in view of the expected rise in air pollution, which could further impact Covid-19 patients.

Only green firecrackers shall be sold, and are to be burst only between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali. A distance of 10 feet is to be maintained between shops selling crackers. Customers have been asked to practice physical distancing and stand six feet away from each other.

The AP government made it clear that the buyers shall also, be advised not to use hand sanitizer during Diwali celebrations but use normal soap while bursting crackers and lighting diyas or candles.

The NGT recently directed States to impose a ban on the sale and use of all firecrackers in areas where air quality is poor, very poor and severe.

In cities where the air quality is 'moderate' or below, only green crackers are to be sold. Bursting of crackers shall be restricted from 8 pm to 10 pm. As per the AP Pollution Control Board, which monitors ambient air quality in 20 cities and towns, including 13 non-attainment cities, many cities and towns have air quality that is 'good' or 'moderate'