Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, November 10
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday has approved a two-hour window for the use of green fire-crackers on Diwali, Gurpurb, and Christmas across the state, except Mandi Gobindgarh, where a complete ban has been imposed.
This ban started from November 9 midnight until November 20th or December 1st—depending on the poor Air Pollution Levels (AQIs).
Only green fire-crackers are permitted as per the orders, which comply with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), as well as, various judicial orders passed amid the reports of the fire-crackers likely to aggravate the COVID problem.
While on Diwali—November 14— green crackers are allowed to burst from 8 pm to 10 pm, on the occasion of Gurpurab—November 30— it would be allowed from 4 am to 5 am, and from 9 pm to 10 pm.
On Christmas Eve, people can burst crackers from 11:55 pm till 12:30 am.
Chairing a virtual COVID review meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Department of Science, Technology and Environment to issue the necessary notification in this regard.
Warning against any violation of these curbs, he asked DGP Dinkar Gupta to crack down heavily to ensure penal action as per the law.
