Bursting of firecrackers on Christmas, New Year banned in Meerut

MEERUT: With Meerut zone cities -- Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Bulandshahr and Noida -- witnessing 'severe' Air Quality Index (AQI) level at over 400 just three days after Diwali, Meerut district administration has banned bursting of crackers during winter, including on Christmas and New Year.
The administration has also ordered that stone crushers and hot mix plants in the district to remain closed till November 8.
The orders were issued in the backdrop of the instructions given by Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority. Meerut district magistrate Anil Dhingra directed that no crackers be burst in winter season – which includes during New Year and Christmas festivities.
“To prevent air pollution and further deterioration of air quality, instructions have been given to not burst any crackers throughout the winter. Not just this, orders have been given that all crushers and hot mix plants in the district remain closed until November 8. Also, all the industries which use coal or other fuel and have not switched to natural gas or agri residue so far, should also remain closed till November 8 morning,” said Meerut DM Dhingra.
Further instructions were given that MDA, nagar nigam, district inspector of schools, additional district magistrates and others should make sure that the instructions are followed strictly.
“A daily detailed reported about whether the norms are being followed or not should be sent to the Meerut Pollution Control Board authorities so that a thorough check can be kept by them,” said Dhingra.