Haryana government permitted the bursting of firecrackers for 2 hours on Diwali.

The Government of Haryana has allowed the sale and use of firecrackers for two hours on Diwali.

The Government of Haryana has allowed the sale and use of firecrackers for two hours on Diwali.Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, on November 8, 2020, said the government had decided to permit the bursting of firecrackers for only two hours between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali in the state to support the economic impact of the ban on small traders. The decision has been taken because of the rising levels of pollution while adhering to the guidelines issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to decrease air pollution.

According to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the order quoted the chief secretary as saying bursting of firecrackers would be allowed only between 8 pm and 10 pm during the expected festivals like Diwali and Gurupurab. However, on Christmas and New Year's eve, firecrackers' bursting would be allowed between 11:55 pm and 12:30 am only.

The order also notified concerned authorities to pre-identify areas/fields to promote community fire cracking. Anyone violating the guidelines would be punished under Section 51-60 of the Disaster Management Act and Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other provisions.