Team Herald
Panjim: While the State government is yet to issue Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ahead of Diwali celebration in view of COVID-19 pandemic, it has issued separate instructions restricting bursting of crackers during hours from November 14 to November 16.
The State Department of Environment & Climate Change, in a notification has cited the Supreme Court judgment and orders giving certain directions on manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers pan-India.
“In the light of these directions and as per the modified directions contained in the Supreme Court order dated October 30, 2018, the State Government hereby prescribes following timings for bursting of fire crackers during the Diwali Festival in the year 2020. On the day of the Diwali, that is, on November 14, 2020, firecrackers are allowed to be burst in the morning from 4.30 am to 5.30 am and in the evening from 7 pm to 8 pm strictly. For the days during the Diwali festival period, that is, November 15 and 16, 2020 which is being observed in the State of Goa, the time for bursting firecrackers shall be strictly restricted between 8 pm to 10 pm only,” the notification reads.
The department has directed the police station in-charge in their respective areas to take full responsibility for implementation of the Supreme Court directions.
Few States like Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Odisha and West Bengal have banned the bursting of firecrackers while the Maharashtra government is likely to impose similar blanket ban on firecrackers for the upcoming festival.
