Hyderabad
GHMC Commissioner Lokesh Kumar issued orders banning the sale of polluting firecrackers. “Production, sale, and use of firecrackers and series crackers or laris other than green crackers are banned, and illegal imports, sale, and distribution of these fireworks is a punishable offense,” the order read.
The commissioner also addressed the media about the same. He said the air was being polluted with firecrackers and as part of control measures, the Supreme Court was enforcing the ban in the city following guidelines given earlier by the National Green Tribunal.
He instructed people not to use high-noise foreign-made firecrackers and added strict action would be taken against those who violated the rules. He urged city dwellers to use eco-friendly fireworks. He also revealed that as part of the measures to promote the sale of green firecrackers, permits are being issued for firecracker outlets zone-wise and circle-wise. GHMC is collecting a fee of Rs 8,000 for retail outlets and Rs 50,000 for wholesale stores.