Only green crackers’ sale allowed in Jammu, Srinagar during festive season

JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee has issued directions for sale and use of only ‘green crackers’ in twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar during the festive season.

The use or bursting of green/improved firecrackers on Diwali days or any other festival like Gurupurab, Christmas and New Year however, would be restricted to only two hours in the Union Territory during the festivals from 8 PM to 10 PM.

The PCC also directs for strict ban on fire crackers with harmful chemicals like Barium salts, Lithium, Mercury, Arsenic, Antimony and related chemicals for all practical purposes in the entire UT besides banning completely the sale and use of joined fire crackers (Laris etc).

The PCC has issued these directions while taking cognizance of the air quality of Jammu and Kashmir coupled with the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India and in exercise of powers under Section 17 (f) and (j) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

These directions of the Court are to be implemented and enforced by concerned District Magistrates and the Police Officials. Also, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of concerned area, Deputy Superintendent of Police and the SHOs/Police officers in-charge of concerned police station shall be held personally liable for any violation.

Pertinently, National Green Tribunal has already issued the directions under reference for combating the air pollution caused by bursting of fire crackers during the festivals of Diwali, Gurupurab, Christmas and New Year and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has also issued order in this behalf for regulating the sale and use of fire crackers.

Also, the Supreme Court of India is already seized with the matter and has issued order on 29-10-2021 regarding enforcement on manufacturing, use and sale of banned fire crackers and adherence to the timing of bursting of permissible/permitted green crackers.