Tamil Nadu government fixes 6 am and 7 pm slots for bursting crackers on Deepavali

Tamil Nadu government fixes 6 am and 7 pm slots for bursting crackers on Deepavali

In line with the Supreme Court order to allow a 2-hour window for bursting crackers on Deepavali day, the Tamil Nadu government on Friday fixed two slots — between 6 am and 7 am and between 7 pm and 8 pm — on the day of the festival of lights.

“It is everyone’s duty to ensure a pollution-free environment,” stated an official release from the Tamil Nadu government.

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) would monitor the air for pollution in all Municipal Corporations seven days before and seven days after the Deepavali day.

In its suggestions to the general public, the government said low decibel crackers that caused less pollution could be used.

Welfare associations “could try” to obtain prior permission from local bodies to gather and burst crackers in public places, it stated.

“Bursting of crackers should be avoided near hospitals, places of worship and areas that are maintained for silence,” it said. Crackers must also be avoided in easily inflammable areas and localities with huts.