Gautam Buddh Nagar admin issues guidelines for Diwali

Noida: The Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has issued a slew of guidelines regarding the sale and bursting of firecrackers this Diwali, keeping in mind the deteriorating air quality in the city which likely to be more poisonous post Diwali.

As per the guidelines issued, the administration has decided to cut down the number of temporary license for selling firecrackers by 50 per cent compared to the number of temporary licenses issued in 2016.

"The guidelines were issued followed directions from the Supreme Court of India, which state that only reduced emission fire crackers or green crackers are permitted to be manufactured and sold," said BN Singh, District Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar

"We have reduced the grant of temporary license by about 50 per cent of the number while it shall also be ensured that these licensed traders are selling those fire crackers which are permitted by this order," he added.

Singh further said that authorities have been directed to mark zones for bursting fire crackers in the city, while silent zones have also been earmarked across the district to ensure that crackers are not burst at these areas.

"No bursting of firecrackers is allowed in silent zones, which are within an area at least 100 metres from hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health care centers, educational institutes, courts, religious places or any other areas," added Singh.

The administration also plans to conduct drives to sensitise children about the ill-effects of breathing air polluted due to firecrackers.