Panchkula bans crackers, residents say too late

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, November 3

The Panchkula District Magistrate today prohibited the sale and use of firecrackers across the district, permitting only green crackers during Diwali.

District Magistrate Vinay Pratap Singh also constituted area-wise checking teams of officers to conduct raids and checking in their respective areas.

“These officers will keep a strict vigil in their respective areas and will take action against the sale and use of firecrackers,” he said.

The notice read, “Air pollution not only has adverse effects on the health of people but also causes serious damage to the environment. The health of children, the elderly and those suffering from respiratory disease/heart disease is particularly affected.”

He said the officials would keep a strict vigil in their respective areas and ensure implementation of these orders regarding use of only green crackers.

Along with this, the officers concerned have been directed to ensure action under the provisions of the Explosives Act, 1884, the CrPC and the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as well as Section 188 of the IPC, 1860, for violation of these orders.

Earlier on Sunday, the Haryana Government had imposed a ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in 14 districts in the National Capital Region while restrictions were imposed in other parts.

The districts where the ban has been imposed included Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Faridabad, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Jind, Karnal, Mahendragarh, Nuh, Palwal, Panipat, Rewari, Rohtak and Sonepat.

The cities and towns in which air quality was in the “moderate” or below categories, only green crackers would be sold, the order had said, adding that the bursting of crackers during Diwali and other festivals would be allowed only from 8 pm to 10 pm.

Most people have already bought crackers

If residents are to be believed, the order banning the firecrackers in the district has come too late.

“Most households in my locality have already purchased firecrackers. It should have been issued earlier, not a day before Diwali,” said Samit, a resident of Sector 12-A.

“The real question is how the administration would ensure its implementation. Such orders are issued always, but its impact is not seen on the ground,” said a resident of Sector 7, who did not wish to be named.

Health Dept on alert

The Civil Surgeon, Panchkula, Dr Mukta Kumar, said adequate provisions had been made at the Civil Hospital and other medical facilities across the district to meet any eventuality during Diwali.

She said specialists and consultants would remain on duty round the clock and at least four dedicated ambulances had been deputed to attend to emergencies during the festival.

She further urged the citizens to celebrate a safe and cracker-free Diwali and follow the Covid guidelines to contain the pandemic.