PMC bans use of fire crackers in public spaces

The fear of Covid19 is still looming on many cities. With Diwali approaching the National Green Tribunal issued an order stating ban on firecrackers. 

Renuka Suryavanshi 

Pune Municipal Corporation’s Commissioner Vikram Kumar on November 10, 2020 issued an order with guidelines on celebrating Diwali festival by observing several precautions. 

Amidst the health concerns caused due to pollution by bursting of firecrackers, the PMC has banned use of  firecrackers within Pune municipal corporation limits at its public spaces such as open spaces, gardens, sports ground, tourist places and schools. etc.

Also, in private spaces, minimal use of fire crackers must be done 

Fire crackers should not cause any sort of air and sound pollution. Follow social distancing, use masks and wash hands frequently with soap and water. 

Since Diwali is the festival of lights and sanitiser could be inflammable, use of sanitiser must be avoided while bursting fire crackers. 

No public gatherings are allowed in this festival . Programmes such as Diwali pahat are prohibited. They can be held online. 

Maintain social distancing, use masks and sanitisers while in public places. 

Shop during odd hours of the day and avoid gathering in public areas. 

These orders shall remain in the force till the next orders are issued. 

On Sunday, November 8, 2020 CM Uddhav Thackeray in his public address also advised citizens to avoid polluting firecrackers.

According to the circular, violators will be booked under the Epidemics Act and Disaster Management Act. The circular issued by the Pune Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar also cautions citizens that hand sanitisers and disinfectant liquids could be inflammable so adequate care must be taken while using them around firecrackers.