Andhra Pradesh permits bursting of only green crackers for two hours for Diwali
Vijayawada: State government officially permits bursting of only green crackers for two hours from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm on Diwali day in Andhra Pradesh.
The state government issued GO RT No. 692 dated 10-11-2020, permitting sale of only green crackers and their bursting restricted to only two hours on festival day. The GO also issued guidelines for those who sell and also burst the green crackers. Accordingly, all the shops selling crackers are asked to maintain 10 feet distance from each shop and the persons coming for purchase of crackers are to maintain six feet social distance while standing in a queue before the shops.
The purchasers are advised not to use hand sanitiser while bursting crackers and lighting diyas or candles as it is highly inflammable and they are asked to use soap to wash their hands.
Moreover, as AP is having 8.20 lakh Covid-19 infected patients recovered from the infection and also 20,915 patients still active with the virus as on Wednesday, the state health authorities informed the government that their lung capacity might be at risk and requested it to issue suitable instructions to ensure restricted use of fireworks. The health authorities also asked for restricted usage of fireworks keeping in mind the health of general public at large.
The GO also mentioned that as APPCB is monitoring ambient air quality in 20 cities and towns including 13 non-attainment cities in the state and their Air Quality Index of November, 2019, in many cities and towns was found to be in ranging from good to moderate, the state government opted for allowing bursting of only green crackers as per the order issued by the National Green Tribunal.
The same rule will also be applicable for other festivals like Guru Nanak Gurupurab from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm, Chatt from 6.00 am to 8.00 am and during Christmas and New Year eve from 1.55 pm to 12.30 am on the next day.
