Reconsider ban on firecrackers: TN CM to Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sought off a letter to his counterparts of four states, including Odisha urging them to reconsider the decision regarding ban on sale of firecrackers in their respective states.

The ban is not reasonable and is not prevalent in any other country, said the TN CM. adding that such decision will jeopardize livelihoods of lakhs of people.

“It has been brought to my notice that your Government has imposed a ban on sale of firecrackers during this festive season (Diwali-2021). I understand that you have taken this decision based on concerns regarding air pollution. I wish to draw your attention to the fact that the Supreme Court has already banned certain categories of polluting firecrackers and now, green crackers with significantly less emissions are being manufactured. Therefore a blanket ban on firecrackers is not reasonable,” he wrote in the letter.

Such a ban is not prevalent in other countries. Moreover, such a ban if imposed by other states also, would lead to the closure of the entire industry, jeopardizing the livelihood of around 8 lakh persons.

“A balanced approach that gives due regard to environment, livelihood and public health is possible and necessary. I sincerely urge you to kindly reconsider the blanket ban on sale of firecrackers and request that the sale of firecrackers that falls within the norms set by the SC and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) may be permitted in your state,” the letter reads.

மாண்பமை உச்சநீதிமன்றம், தேசிய பசுமைத் தீர்ப்பாயம் ஆகியவற்றின் வழிகாட்டுதலின்படி, தயாரிக்கப்பட்ட பட்டாசுகளுக்கு அனுமதி அளிக்க வேண்டுமென்று 4 மாநில (டெல்லி/ஒடிசா/ ராஜஸ்தான்/ஹரியானா) மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர்களுக்கு, மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்கள் கடிதம் எழுதியுள்ளார். pic.twitter.com/qY47nsfrPc

— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) October 15, 2021

Earlier on September 30, Odisha Government had restricted sale and use of firecrackers during the festive season. Claiming to protect the health of the people and curb spread of COVID-19, the Government had announced the ban on firecrackers.

“With a view to protecting the health of general public and to curb the spread of infection, sale and use of firecrackers shall remain prohibited during this festive month,” the order issued by the state government read.