Oman Daily Observer

Green crackers to make Diwali pollution free

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NEW DELHI: Delhi Police have ensured “no risk” for all asthma patients this Diwali as they have not issued a single licence to any ordinary or gunpowder firecracke­r seller. All the permission­s have so far been given only for ‘green firecracke­rs’.

Confirming the facts, Joint Commission­er of Delhi Police Licensing Unit Subhashish Chaudhary said: “In all 15 districts of Delhi, total 97 sellers had applied for licence to sell firecracke­rs. To the date (October 23) 57 shopkeeper­s were issued licenses with a condition to sell on eco-friendly green crackers. These all licenses are temporary”.

“These apart, 14 firecracke­r seller in Delhi already have permanent licence. Permanent licenses are issued for a period of five years while temporary licenses expire only in 10 to 15 days. But all the licence holders, irrespecti­ve to the nature of permission, will have to sell only green fireworks in Delhi. They cannot sell gunpowder crackers,” Chaudhary said.

There is a stringent procedure to issue licenses for firecracke­rs. Shopkeeper­s send their requests to the Station House Officer of their areas. The Deputy Commission­er of Police office then gives its consent over the applicatio­ns. Thereafter, the Fire Service Headquarte­rs issues the No Objection Certificat­e to all who fulfil the criteria. Delhi Fire Service Director Vipin Kental said: “We received 97 new applicatio­ns for temporary licenses. We have issued NOC to 79 applicants after founding them perfect for the criteria”.

The Director further said that we issue licence only after physical visit to the spot. The shop area should be according to the norms i.e. nine square metre. Ways to the spot should be clear and wide to reach in any emergency and there should not be any doubt of catching fire.

After giving NOCS, the department again sends applicatio­ns to the DCP

Fire the office.

The DCP office then reviews the applicatio­ns and sends them to the licensing unit after giving its consent. Thereafter, the licensing unit gives final permission to sell the firecracke­rs.

The all data suggests that if everything goes according to norms than pollution level in Delhi on Diwali will be as low as comfortabl­e to any asthma patient.

Chaudhary said: “This is the first time when no one is allowed to sell gunpowder firecracke­rs. All will sell the green crackers that will help to reduce the probabilit­y of pollution”.

 ?? — AFP ?? An artist carries statues of goddess Lakshmi to display for sale at a roadside stall ahead of the Diwali festival in Hyderabad.
— AFP An artist carries statues of goddess Lakshmi to display for sale at a roadside stall ahead of the Diwali festival in Hyderabad.

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