Chandigarh Administration imposes blanket ban on bursting of firecrackers ahead of Diwali

A week ahead of Diwali – the festival of lights, the Chandigarh administration on Friday banned bursting of firecrackers. The administration ordered complete prohibition on the bursting of all types of firecrackers and fireworks within its jurisdiction with immediate effect till November 15.

The bursting of firecrackers, however, will be allowed for three hours (from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm) on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 4, an official released issued by Ajit Balaji Joshi, Chandigarh District Magistrate, stated. This order came a day after Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday allowed the bursting of firecrackers on November 4.

"The sale of firecrackers and other fireworks by the temporary licencees shall only be in the areas, which are designated in the temporary licence and no temporary licensee shall sell firecrackers and other fireworks or market them at any other place except the earmarked/designated area," the order reads. The manufacture, sale or use of firecrackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB (AI) or 145 dB (C) pk at 4 meters distance from the point of bursting will be banned, the order said, adding that "For individual firecrackers constituting the series, the said limit reduced by 5 log 10 (N) dB, where N= number of crackers joined together, shall be banned."

The Administration has also asked the manufacturers to mention details of its chemical contents on each box of firecrackers and that it satisfies the requirement as laid by the Department of Explosives.