- Telangana government permits sale, use of green crackers following Supreme Court orderA fresh Government Order (GO) was issued on November 13, superseding previous directive on November 12, which imposed an immediate ban on sale and use of firecrackers following HC directions.
- Karnataka bans traditional crackers, defines usable green crackers; Court says no clarityThe revenue department issued the order in response to the Karnataka High Court’s observation on Thursday that the ban on bursting of conventional crackers was ineffective as the government had failed to define what green crackers were. The bench said lack of clarity would result in traders selling normal crackers under the garb of green crackers.
- Ensure only green crackers are manufactured, sold: Delhi minister Gopal Rai to DMs"Only licensed traders can sell firecrackers compliant with PESO prescribed standards. No e-commerce websites can accept any online orders," an order issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) said.
- Delhi govt allows use of ‘green crackers’ on Diwali, to launch anti-firecracker campaign from Nov 3: Gopal RaiDelhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai informed that Kejriwal-led government has decided to allow only the use, manufacture and sell of 'green crackers' on keeping in view of Diwali. Rai said, “Diwali is coming to a close and in the history of Delhi pollution level, stubble burning and Diwali contribute majorly in it. Hence, Delhi government has decided to allow only the use of 'green crackers'. Delhi government will also form 11 ‘anti-cracker squads’ and ‘anti-cracker campaign’ will start from November 03 and will continue even after Diwali. A strict action will be taken if any manufacturer, seller, stocks any other crackers except green crackers.”Delhi govt allows use of ‘green crackers’ on Diwali, to launch anti-firecracker campaign from Nov 3: Gopal Rai
- ‘Ban’ news dulls firecracker business this DeepavaliOn Friday, Yediyurappa announced that the state government will ban the use of firecrackers due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but an official press release from him later said green crackers were exempt from the ban. Sections of firework makers and traders said extensive publicity to the CM’s first statement on a cracker ban had left them in a spot.
- NGT imposes ban on sale, use of firecrackers in NCR from Nov 9 to Nov 30A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel clarified that the direction will apply to all cities and towns in the country where the average of ambient air quality during November 2019 was in 'poor' and above categories.
- Firecracker ban: BJP leader Vijay Goel stages protest demanding that Delhi govt compensate tradersSenior BJP leader Vijay Goel on Sunday staged a dharna demanding that the Delhi government compensate traders who have suffered losses due to a ban on firecrackers. Goel said he was not against the ban but it should have been announced six months ago.
- Why don't people buy environment-friendly products like green crackers and cars? Here is a clueAccording to a research conducted by University of East Anglia (UEA) and University of Leeds, people skip green products because of doubts over performance ability associated with green products, whereby consumers perceive them as being less effective.
- Green crackers' market sees red due to low supply, lack of varietiesIt has been a year since conventional crackers were banned. So to satisfy the demand for crackers, manufacturing licences were given to firework makers to make eco-friendly firecrackers which has limited options and it doesn't seem to be doing well in markets.
- Improved formulation for manufacturing green crackers finalised, PESO tells SCTrial of some samples was also conducted, PESO said, adding that the development would reduce the emission of pollutants PM 2.5 at least by 25-30 per cent.
- What’s green cracker? Delhi Police not sureOnly reduced emission firecrackers like safe water and air sprinklers approved by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) can be stocked or sold, police said.
- Sale of firecrackers other than green crackers banned in Delhi-NCR: SCA bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said firecrackers already produced can be sold in this festival season only in other parts of the country.
- What is a ‘green cracker’? This institute just made oneOne of the formulations can even produce water molecules, which suppress dust and significantly reduce hazardous particulate matter.
- Green crackers: Manufacturers say there's no such thing; Jokes galore on social mediaAs per the court order, SHOs will be held liable if banned firecrackers are sold in their area.
- Beyond the smoke and the stubble: Fighting Delhi's killer air needs sustainable, year-round solutionsWhile steps have to be taken on multiple fronts, improving air quality will require everyone to pitch in.
- Scientists create ‘green’ firecrackersThe “green” crackers have been tested for colour, smoke, brightness and particulate matter and are found to emit less smoke and noise.
- Supreme Court fixes 2-hour period for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, other festivalsA bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan which had reserved its verdict earlier on August 28, said that bursting of crackers on Diwali will be allowed between 8 PM to 10 PM
- NGT directs total ban on sale, use of firecrackers across cities where air quality is 'poor'"There will be a total ban on the sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers during COVID-19 pandemic in the NCR and all cities/towns in the country where the ambient air quality falls under the 'poor' and above category," the bench said.
- Avoid bursting firecrackers as much as possible this Diwali, Delhi minister appeals to peopleThe minister launched an "anti-cracker" campaign and inspected various places to ensure that only "green" firecrackers are manufactured and sold in the city.
- Bengaluru Police Commissioner to issue directions on New Year celebration in city: Home MinisterThe government had already issued guidelines on December 17 ahead of Christmas and New Year, citing the prevailing COVID-19 situation. The guidelines prohibits parties, special DJ dance programmes and special events at clubs, pubs, restaurants and other places that attract people in large numbers without social distancing from December 30 to January 2.
- Bihar State Pollution Control Board orders complete ban on firecrackers in 3 citiesThe principal bench of the NGT on Monday unequivocally imposed a total ban on sale and use of firecrackers in all "cities and towns where the average ambient air quality in November last year was "poor or worse".
- All celebrations banned in pubs, restaurants on New Year's Eve in BengaluruMeanwhile, Dr. K Sudhakar, Karnataka Health Minister said, during New Year celebrations people congregate in large numbers in public places in Bengaluru and other urban areas.
- NGT clamps down on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, bans their sale & use as pollution levels deteriorateThe ban will come into effect from midnight of Nov 9 and will last until midnight of Nov 30.
- Delhi government will issue directions for usage of 'green' firecrackers, says Gopal RaiIn 2018, the Supreme Court had banned the use of polluting firecrackers and allowed the sale of "green" firecrackers in a bid to control air pollution.
- Ensure there is no lapse in implementation of NGT's directions on air quality: CAQM to CPCB, states"In pursuance of the NGT order dated November 9 and considering the concerns of air quality scenario in the NCR and its adverse health impact, the Commission directed CPCB, concerned state governments and authorities for strict compliance of the directions of NGT, with zero tolerance on violation," it said.
- Punjab CM appeals people to celebrate Diwali in environment-friendly, COVID-safe mannerThe CM also urged the people to refrain from bursting firecrackers even though the state government has allowed a two-hour window in this regard, to check the spread of pollution which could further aggravate the coronavirus situation.
- Will implement NGT order on firecrackers: Maharashtra government tells Bombay HCA division bench headed by Justice A K Menon accepted the statement and disposed of a public interest litigation filed by a Pune resident seeking a complete ban on firecrackers in the state from November 10 to November 20.
- Cracker ban: CAIT demands compensation for traders' lossesCAIT in a statement demanded that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and chief ministers of other states should "compensate the firecracker traders for the losses they have accrued due to ban on sale of firecrackers".
- Air pollution: NGT issues notice to Centre to ban fire crackers from November 7-30The tribunal was hearing a plea by Indian Social Responsibility Network, filed through Santosh Gupta, seeking action against pollution by use of fire crackers in NCR during the time air quality is unsatisfactory with potential of severity of COVID-19 pandemic.
- Diwali: Ban use of all firecrackers, activist tells Maharashtra governmentIn a Facebook post addressed to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray, activist and founder of NGO Awaaz Foundation Sumaira Abdulali cited the "extremely high" noise levels of firecrackers tested jointly with MPCB in 2019, which make them "unsuitable" for use in residential areas.
- Hindus have right to celebrate festivals and Assam govt has no plan to restrict: Himanta Biswa SarmaHimanta tweeted, “Like any other religion, Hindus have the right to celebrate festivals. With improvement in #COVID19 situation in Assam,we plan no restrictions on celebration including use of #Firecrackers. However, kindly remember, self-restraint is key to combat #COVID19.”
- Air pollution increases risk of mortality from COVID-19, NGT informedSenior advocate Raj Panjawani and advocate Shibhani Ghosh, who have been appointed by the tribunal as amicus curiae in a case related to ban on fire crackers, told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel that particulate air pollution contributed 15 per cent to COVID-19 mortality worldwide.
- Delhi's air quality turns 'very poor' after marginal improvementOfficials at the India Meteorological Department said the air quality had improved on Monday with high wind speed aiding dispersion of pollutants. However, stagnant night-time conditions led to the accumulation of pollutants.
- BJP, Congress MP flay firecracker ban, root for workers of industrySeveral states had banned sale and use of firecrackers this year citing the COVID-19 pandemic and environment concerns with the decision coming as a blow to the industry.
- Diwali gone up in smoke, say traders facing huge losses after firecracker ban"Police have stopped us from opening the shops we had stocked with hundreds of kilograms of firecrackers. This is a seasonal item and will be worthless if not sold in next 1-2 months," said a firecracker trader in Jama Masjid area. The traders said temporary licences were issued by authorities for up to 650 kg of firecrackers but normally they purchase 400-500 kg in view of safety and demand in the market.
- It's not a 'Happy Diwali' for firecracker industry as Covid fear loomsGovernments have banned crackers as bursting these will lead to a spike in air pollution and that, with the winter air, could affect Covid patients. Besides, discouraging people from getting together to burst crackers would also help in controlling the spread of the infection.
- SC says crackers should be regulated, not bannedCiting concerns over rising unemployment, Supreme Court says can’t deprive people of jobs, food.
- Supreme Court modifies timing for bursting firecrackers on Diwali in TN, Puducherry; retains 2 hour capIn its October 23 order, the court had ordered that bursting of firecrackers on Diwali and other festivals would be only from 8 PM to 10 PM.
- Even if violated widely, Supreme Court order on firecrackers is good starting point for change: ExpertsFirecrackers were burst before and well after the 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. window on Wednesday, ordered by the Supreme Court, and more were let off with impunity on Thursday also.
- Delhi records worst air quality of year after Diwali due to rampant bursting of crackers: OfficialsThe SAFAR had warned that even if partial toxic firecrackers as compare to last year were burnt, then the air quality would fall in the severe category.
- Supreme Court allows states to fix own two hour cracker slots on DiwaliA bench comprising Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan permitted to make local variations but did not extend the time to burst crackers.
- To ban or not to ban: Metros react to prohibition on crackersMumbaikars also welcomed the ban, with some activists suggesting a calibrated approach towards Diwali celebrations in the metropolis that has a diverse population.
- To ban or not to ban: Metros react to prohibition on crackersEvery year Maharashtra Pollution Control Board carries out a test of firecrackers at an open ground in the presence of environment activists and record the sound.
- Govt says it has open mind on considering demand of lawyersAround 1.5 million lawyers across the country are on a strike Tuesday demanding among other things insurance cover and housing.
- 2018: SC came down heavily on real estate honchosSC granted one more opportunity to ArcelorMittal and Russia's VTB Bank-promoted Numetal to bid for Essar Steel, provided the two pay off the NPA's of their related corporate debtors within two weeks.
- Delhi's air quality expected to remain 'severe' for next two days: AuthoritiesPartly as a result of smoke from crackers, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi jumped to 574 which falls in the "severe-plus emergency" category
- Ban on construction activities, entry of heavy vehicles in Delhi extended till MondayThe bans were extended by the Supreme Court-appointed agency on the recommendations of a Central Pollution Control Board-led task force, which reviews the national capital's air quality.
- Thick haze engulfs Delhi as Diwali celebrations continue long after SC deadlineThe overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 302 at 11 pm, which fell in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
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