Ahead of this Diwali, the Haryana government has imposed a complete ban on the production, sale, and usage of all kinds of firecrackers excluding green crackers. The decision comes following the orders of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said only green crackers are allowed for manufacturing, use, and sale in Haryana according to the orders of the NGT and the HSPCB. “The board has said that between October and January, the level of pollution increases significantly in the state, due to which children, elderly and sick people start having trouble breathing, hence the ban has been imposed on firecrackers,” Yadav said, adding that “the order will be strictly enforced in the district”.

In a letter to all the Deputy Commissioners, the HSPCB had said, “State government has directed to prohibit the manufacturing, sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers except for green crackers, within the limit of district…You are, therefore, requested to issue the orders regarding the prohibition on manufacturing, sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers except for green crackers, immediately”.

As per the order, various events occurring during winter months aggravated air pollution levels in the state.

“Amongst various events, bursting of firecrackers is also an important event affecting the air quality levels as firecrackers not only released metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals and noxious gases in the air but also increased harmful particulate matters having adverse impact on ambient air quality,” the order said.