Cracker sale ban in Delhi-NCR: PPCB worried about influx

LUDHIANA/PATIALA: Apprehending that large number of firecrackers for Diwali celebrations will find their way to Punjab after a court-mandated ban on their sale in Delhi-NCR, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has written to deputy commissioners of all districts to spread awareness for a ‘green’, pollution-free festival that falls on October 19 this year.

In a letter, PPCB chairman Kahan Singh Pannu has stated the Air Quality Index of Punjab is already falling in the ‘poor’ zone at 285, when moderate limit is between 100 and 200, although the satisfactory limit is 100. Further, Pannu stated that last Diwali the peak AQI of the state (between 8pm and 2am) was 497, which creates problems for otherwise healthy persons too.

The letter also states that crackers generating noise exceeding 125 decibels are not allowed, and the administration should keep a check that these crackers and neither sold nor used.

Further, according to the ruling of the Supreme Court, bursting of crackers should not be allowed after 10 pm, and police control room (PCR) vans must be deployed to keep a tab.

Pannu, while talking to HT, said residents have a major role to play in reducing pollution during Diwali. “Awareness programmes will also be organised in the coming days.”

Earlier, activist Maneet De wan met Pan nu on Tuesday to discuss the matter and what can be done to reduce pollution level during Diwali. On Thursday, members of different NGOs under the banner of Transformation of City( TO C) also met the deputy commissioner, Pradeep Agarwal, over the matter.

The administration has called a meeting of school principals on Friday to ensure awareness among students. Pannu is expected to participate in that meeting.