Now, ban on firecrackers in marriage functions in city

CHECKING POLLUTION LEVEL District administration to also launch drive against old dieselrun tempos

LUCKNOW: In yet another move aimed at checking rising pollution levels here in the state capital, the district administration has decided to ban the use of firecrackers at marriage functions. Besides, the administration is also going to launch a drive to shove old diesel-run tempos out of city limits.

Officials expressed confidence that the firecracker ban would help bring down air pollution in the city.

“Curbing pollution is a collective effort. We are leaving no stone unturned in keeping the city air clean,” said district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma, while announcing the decision to ban the use of firecrackers at parties, especially marriage functions.

He said that fireworks cause a lot of air pollution, so their use would be prohibited. “Strict action will be initiated against anyone found using fireworks at functions,” he said.

This step is the latest in a series of actions initiated by the district administration to check

pollution.

Prior to this, the administration had directed the regional transport authority (RTA) to chalk out a plan to phase out old petrol-run (15 years) and dieselrun (10years) vehicles. It had also directed the departments concerned to ensure regular water sprinkling on roads. In addition, the public was urged to report pollution by posting pictures and details, using the

mobile phone application ‘Swachhata’.

In addition, the district administration is also going to launch a drive against old dieselrun tempos that are still plying within city limits.

Officials said that many such tempos were still operational, especially on the outskirts, so the drive would be launched mostly in these areas. The RTA will also help in spearheading the drive.