Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar
Amid firecrackers ban in several states ahead of Diwali, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday announced that the government would allow the people to sell and burst crackers for 2 hours. However, he didn't mention the dedicated time for cracker sale and burn on Diwali.
"Coronavirus cases are rising along with pollution, so we have to take tough decisions regarding crackers. Yet, we are giving relaxation of 2 hours for those who want to sell crackers and burst them. Traders can sell crackers during these 2 hours," Khattar told the reporters.
On Friday, the Haryana government had announced to put a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers in the state in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19 due to pollution created by the bursting of crackers.
The decision to open a two-hour window for sale and burst was taken citing economic losses to traders.
The stubble burning in Haryana and other neighbouring states had surged the pollution level to extreme worst.
Coronavirus affects the lungs and the surge in air pollution that takes place with Diwali and the onset of winter is expected to lead to a spike in numbers.
