Restrictions on bursting crackers to continue this year: TNPCB

Pointing out that the Supreme Court had issued mandatory guidelines for Deepavali in 2018, it said that the public should adhere to them. Like last year, the board fixed two slots – between 6 am to 7 am and between 7 pm to 8 pm – to burst crackers.

“The public can burst crackers between 6 am to 7 am and again from 7 pm to 8 pm on the day of Deepavali (November 14),” TNPCB said in a note, warning that stern action would be taken against those who violate the norms.

The board would monitor air pollution level at all Municipal Corporations in days till the festival and after. Strict action would be initiated against people who burst high decibel crackers near hospitals, places of worship and public buildings, it added.

The TNPCB also recommended residents welfare associations to obtain prior permission from local bodies to gather and burst crackers in open public places. It also urged the people to opt for green crackers that produce less noise and smoke. Crackers must also be avoided in areas where huts are located.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Tourism Department Corporation (TTDC) has opened the annual Deepavali exhibition-cum-sale at the Islands Grounds. About 200 shops have been set up to cater to the public demand in Chennai, TTDC officials said.