Rajasthan restricts firecracker bursting to three hours in six NCR districts; QR codes mandatory on green crackers
Jaipur, Nov 4 (IANS) The Rajasthan government on Wednesday issued fresh guidelines to curb air pollution during Diwali, restricting the sale and use of firecrackers in six districts falling under the National Capital Region (NCR), officials said.
Under the new rules, firecrackers will be permitted for only two days in these districts, with bursting allowed for a maximum of three hours.
Only certified green firecrackers will be permitted, while all other varieties will remain prohibited.
Every packet of green firecrackers must carry a QR code.
Consumers can scan the code to verify details such as the manufacturer’s name, certification and licence.
The Rajasthan Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has also shared comprehensive guidelines issued by the state government to control air pollution during Diwali.
According to the directives, only CSIR-NEERI-certified green crackers will be permitted for sale and use in the NCR region.
These crackers can be burst only on November 7 and 8 between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The state government has also prohibited firecracker bursting within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, healthcare centres and educational institutions.
Strict action will be taken against the illegal manufacturing, storage and sale of firecrackers to ensure compliance with the guidelines.
The sale of firecrackers without QR codes is prohibited. They can be sold only through authorised outlets, while online sales are also banned.
District Collectors and police officials have been directed to prevent the sale, storage and supply of illegal firecrackers.
Special teams will be constituted to inspect shops and warehouses.
Vehicles entering Rajasthan from the Delhi-NCR region will also be checked.
Any violation will invite seizure of the firecrackers and legal action.
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and district-level authorities will monitor pollution levels daily during and after Diwali.
The authorities will compile reports on pollution levels, while individuals, traders and manufacturers violating the guidelines will face action under the Environment (Protection) Act.
–IANS
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