Chandigarh, Sept 16: The Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner’s office conducted a public draw of lots at Bal Bhawan, Sector 23, to issue 96 temporary licenses for selling certified green crackers ahead of the upcoming Diwali festival. The selection process saw high participation, with the online portal receiving 4,100 applications from interested traders across the Union Territory.
Under the administration’s plan, 13 designated sites have been allocated across various sectors to accommodate the temporary vendors. Major allocations include 15 stalls at the Dussehra Ground in Sector 43, 12 at the open ground near the Fire Station Office in Manimajra, 11 near the Old Rehri Market in Sector 46, and 10 at the Sabzi Mandi Ground in Ramdarbar. Additional sites include locations in Sectors 24, 28, 29, 30, 33, 37, 40, 49, and Dhanas.
Officials affirmed that vendors must restrict sales strictly to green crackers certified by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). The measure aligns with established environmental guidelines designed to curb air and noise pollution levels during festive celebrations.
UT administration representatives maintained that strict compliance with the issued guidelines will be enforced throughout the selling period. Officials appealed to residents and traders to support the initiative by relying exclusively on authorized green fireworks to ensure an eco-friendly festival season.
