- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).