Diwali Celebrations Marred by Air Quality Concerns as BSPCB Clamp Down on Firecrackers in 4 Cities in Bihar

Siddhi Tandon

Patna: In the midst of Diwali’s customary revelry, Patna faces a somber turn as concerns over worsening air quality prompt authorities to crack down on the longstanding tradition of burning firecrackers. In response to the alarming spike in air pollution, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has issued a recent order imposing a ban on the sale and use of all types of firecrackers, including green crackers, in four major cities: Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, and Hajipur.

The BSPCB’s directive allows for the sale and use of only green crackers in other parts of the state, with a stringent time restriction for their combustion – limited to the period from 8 pm to 10 pm today. This move aligns with recent orders from the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), emphasizing the urgency of curbing air pollution during the festive season.

Devendra Kumar Shukla, Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, recently issued these orders, urging strict adherence in the face of escalating environmental concerns.

However, despite the official ban, reports indicate that firecracker stalls have cropped up at various locations in Patna. Residents have been seen defying the restrictions, indulging in the traditional practice on the eve of Diwali.

The efficacy of the BSPCB’s measures remains uncertain as Diwali celebrations unfold, particularly in light of the recent surge in the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Patna and several other cities across Bihar in the preceding days. The clash between tradition and environmental concerns raises questions about the extent to which these restrictions will be enforced on the ground during the evening’s festivities.