Only green crackers will be allowed in Ahmedabad during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, with authorities enforcing strict time limits to curb pollution and ensure public safety.
The Ahmedabad Police have announced that firecrackers can be burst only for 35 minutes — from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am — on Christmas night and New Year’s Eve. The decision has been taken in view of environmental concerns and to prevent accidents.
As per the order, only PESO-approved green crackers sold by licensed traders will be permitted within city limits. Online sale of firecrackers, as well as the sale of imported or foreign crackers, has been completely banned. In compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, crackers containing barium and firecracker strings (ladi), which are harmful to health, are also prohibited.
A 100-metre radius around hospitals, schools, colleges and religious places has been declared a silent zone, where bursting crackers is strictly banned. Firecrackers are also not allowed near petrol pumps, gas storage facilities and crowded market areas.
In addition, the manufacture, sale and use of Chinese sky lanterns have been banned to avoid fire hazards and accidents caused by airborne fireworks.
Police officials have urged citizens to follow the rules strictly, warning that violators will face legal action.