Patna: Anticipating further degradation in air quality, the Bihar government has banned sales and bursting of all sorts of firecrackers, including green crackers in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur and Hajipur.
This decision has been taken in view of the air quality index (AQI) level being poor, very poor and serious. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, AQI of these cities had gone down to the very poor levels last week. The Patna district administration has also issued an order to strictly implement it. The district administration has appealed to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali.
In an order issued by the district administration, it has been stated that violation of the orders will be considered as punishable offense and action will be taken against the violators. The department of environment, forest and climate change (DoEFCC), Bihar, and the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) have also given instructions to strictly implement the ban on crackers.
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Several other states, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, have taken proactive measures by imposing an immediate ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers, ahead of Diwali.
The Patna district administration has made fervent appeal to its citizen to desist from using firecrackers. The smoke emitted from firecrackers, which contain harmful chemicals. Causes serious damage to our health and environment. The use of gunpowder, heavy metals and chemicals in fireworks, crackers significantly increases air pollution.
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This can cause health problems to all living beings along with posing a threat to children, the elderly and heart patients. Do not use kerosene oil to light diyas. The smoke emitted by its burning can harm our lungs. There may be complaints of irritation in the eyes, tears and blurred vision.
The Patna DM and SSP have formed a rapid action team to crackdown on those found to be indulging in bursting firecrackers. All sub-divisional officers and sub-divisional police officers have been instructed to keep the raid team active to stop the sale of illegal firecrackers and take legal action against the culprits.
