Ahead of Diwali, which will be celebrated under the shadow of the pandemic, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of COVID-19. Diwali will be celebrated between November 2 (Dhanteras) and November 6 (Bhai Dooj).
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government has urged citizens to avoid bursting crackers to curb noise and air pollution which could pose a problem for coronavirus patients. A government release appealed for the subdued celebration of Diwali, like that of other festivals since the virus outbreak. Social distancing norms should be followed, the guidelines reminded.
Although the use of firecrackers is not banned in the state, the government has urged citizens to avoid bursting crackers.
The state government guidelines said: "Those affected by COVID-19 are likely to be troubled directly due to the air pollution caused by bursting of firecrackers. Considering this, people should avoid bursting firecrackers this year. Instead, they can light lamps on a big scale and celebrate the festival."
It has also urged people not to overcrowd markets for Diwali shopping.
Meanwhile, several states have banned the use of firecrackers. The Karnataka government on Saturday issued an order allowing the sale and bursting of only green crackers during this Deepavali and advised people to strictly adhere to COVID-19 norms.
The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) on Saturday issued a notification banning the sale and use of all kinds of fireworks during Kali Puja, Diwali and other festivals this year following an order of the Calcutta High Court.
Here's what the Mumbai mayor said:
Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar on Tuesday appealed to citizens to keep a check on noise and air pollution levels while bursting firecrackers during Diwali.
Extending her Diwali greetings, the mayor in a video message said monitoring agencies have claimed that noise and air pollution levels go up during the festive season.
"Crackers are an integral part of Diwali festivities and they should be. However, while bursting crackers, people must keep a check on noise and air pollution levels," Pednekar said.
The mayor further stated that senior citizens, children and patients face a lot of problems due to the crackers, and hence, people should ensure that they are not troubled.
Last year, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had banned fireworks in the city during Diwali, and permitted use of mild firecrackers at private premises on Laxmi Pujan.
(With agency inputs)
