Online trading of firecrackers new challenge for authorities ›

After the ban by the Supreme Court on sale of fire crackers in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) area, we came to know that firecrackers are being sold online in NCR districts falling in the state. S NARAYANAN, HSPCB member secy

KARNAL: Though the Supreme Court has slapped a temporary ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-ncr region ahead of Diwali this year, authorities are facing a new challenge — to check online sale of crackers.

Firecrackers are easily available online, with discounts up to 50%, and people get home delivery within two-three days after placing the order.

Talking to Hindustan Times, a dealer said that soon after the Supreme Court’s order people rushed to go for online purchase of crackers as it was the best and safest way to get them at their home without any hassles.

Meanwhile, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has swung into action and issued directions to deputy commissioners in NCR districts to take immediate steps to check online trading and delivery of firecrackers.

Talking to Hindustan times, HSPCB member secretary S Narayanan said, “After the ban by the Supreme Court, we came to know that firecrackers were being sold online in NCR districts. We have instructed the deputy commissioners concerned to take immediate steps to stop this practice.”

Asked what action could be taken to implement the ban on sale of crackers, he said, “We will approach the owners of online outlets, courier companies, parcel services and postal staff and ask them to not allow sale and delivery of fire crackers in the NCR districts, where the Supreme Court ban is in force. Action will be taken against whosoever will violate the SC ruling.”

“But they should not deliver the banned items and they should send it back to the sender,” he added.

However, ground-level officials said feel that it is difficult to check online trading of the crackers as there are hundreds of online outlets involved in this trade.

Meanwhile, firecracker dealers are demanding some relaxation so that they can clear their stocks.

“The government should be considerate towards the dealers who have invested in the business of firecrackers. If they will not be allowed to sell their stock, they will have to sale it illegally”, said a firecracker dealer, on the condition of anonymity.

However, Karnal district authorities are not ready to speak on the issue. Panipat deputy commissioner Chander Shekhar Khare refused to answer any queries regarding online trading of fire crackers despite Hindustan Times’ repeated attempts.