Punjab chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced a two-hour window for use of green fire crackers on Diwali, Gurpurab and Christmas across the state, except in Mandi Gobindgarh, where a total ban has been imposed from the midnight of November 9-10 till November 20-December 1 midnight on account of its poor AQI levels.
Only green crackers will be allowed as per these orders, which are in compliance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
On Diwali (November 14), one can burst crackers from 8pm to 10 pm and on Gurpurab (November 30) from 4am to 5am and from 9pm to 10pm. On Christmas Eve, people can burst these crackers from 11.55 pm till 12.30am. Chairing a virtual Covid review meeting, the CM directed the Department of Science, Technology and Environment to issue the necessary notification in this regard.
