UP govt issues notification: Burst firecrackers from 8pm-10pm

The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has issued a notification on Wednesday. The notification announced fixed timings to burst firecrackers. "Taking into account the landmark 2018 Supreme Court (SC) order, people in UP can burst crackers only between 8 pm and 10 pm. Diwali will be celebrated from October 27 this year," the notification read.  

Read: Jharkhand CM: Indian's Test Series Win Is A Diwali Gift For The Nation

Read: Diwali 2019: Five Easy And Different Dal Dishes To Make At Home

2018 SC order

In 2015, there was a petition in the SC seeking a ban on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers across the country to curb air pollution. Meanwhile, the top court temporarily banned the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali in the Delhi-NCR region in 2017. The court refused to relax its order. It also dismissed a plea by traders who had sought permission to sell crackers for at least a day or two before Diwali. This was followed by its order in 2018. The SC however permitted the sale and manufacture of low emission ‘green’ firecrackers. Green firecrackers have emissions and decibel levels that are 30% lower than the conventional firecrackers. SC highlighted the need to consider all aspects such as the fundamental right of livelihood of firecracker manufacturers and the right to health of people. Furthermore, it stipulated only a two-hour window to burst firecrackers.  

Read: Manish Malhotra Throws A Diwali Party For Industry Friends, Details

Delhi government's Diwali laser show

Many governments have been taking steps to dissuade people from bursting crackers. The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has organised a mega Diwali laser show between October 26 and 29 at Connaught Place. The event is open to all from 6 pm to 10 pm with food stalls and cultural events. Various leaders have also appealed the people not to burst firecrackers or use 'green' firecrackers. 

Read: 'Bharat Ki Laxmi' To Salute 'Nari Shakti' Of India This Diwali

(With agency inputs)