Haryana CM Gives 2 Hour Relaxation To Sell And Burst Firecrackers; Cites Risk Of Covid-19 Spread During Diwali

"Traders can sell crackers during these 2 hours," Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said in line with the risk of spread of Covid-19 due to pollution created by bursting of crackers.

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Two days after announcing to put a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers, the Haryana Government on Sunday gave two hour relaxation to sell and burst firecrackers in the state. "Corona cases are rising along with pollution, so we have to take tough decisions regarding crackers. Yet, we are giving relaxation of 2 hours for those who want to sell crackers & burst them. Traders can sell crackers during these 2 hours," ANI quoted Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar who said in line with the risk of spread of Covid-19 due to pollution created by bursting of crackers.

Earlier this week on November 6, the Haryana Government after holding the detailed discussion, decided to put a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers in the state. The Chief Minister had said that a notice would be issued in this regard soon.

Besides Haryana, several other state governments have taken the similar measures. Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, West Bengal and Karnata earlier this week announced ban on sale, purchase and bursting of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations after several experts pointed out that air pollution can add to Covid-19 -related mortality. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has banned the sale of Chinese made fire crackers and warned that strict guidelines have to be followed. MP CM announced that there will a ban on Chinese or foreign made firecrackers in a move to protect the disadvantaged groups and to support the `vocal for local' campaign advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.