As Diwali is around the corner, the central as well as state governments, have issued detailed guidelines for celebrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines include the strict prohibition of festive events in areas that fall under containment zones, wearing face masks, and maintaining 6-feet distance at all times.

Here’s the detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by governments that are to be followed by the citizens who intend on celebrating Diwali.

SOPs issued by Centre:

The guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry include the maintenance of 6-feet physical distancing, sanitization, self-monitoring of health by all, contactless payment, the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices and advice for children, senior citizens and pregnant women to stay at home.

A few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged people to not burst crackers during Diwali.

SOPs issued by the Maharashtra government:

The Maharashtra government, on November 6, issued guidelines a day after Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that it will ban bursting of all fire-crackers at public places during Diwali. The government has requested people to avoid bursting crackers to curb noise and air pollution which could pose a problem for COVID-19 patients.

 “Those affected by COVID-19 are likely to be troubled directly due to the air pollution caused by bursting of firecrackers. Considering this, people should avoid bursting firecrackers this year. Instead, they can light lamps on a big scale and celebrate the festival,” the SOPs read. 

All events should also be organized online and instead of cultural programs, priority should be given to health initiatives and awareness drives.

Other states:

Besides Maharashtra, Delhi has imposed a complete ban on the sale and bursting of all types of firecrackers from November 7 to November 30. The violator would be penalized under the Air Act.

In West Bengal, the Calcutta High Court has banned the use and sale of firecrackers to curb pollution amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The violator could be jailed for six months as per the law.

Following the Supreme Court’s guidelines, Karnataka has allowed the sale and bursting of ‘green crackers’ and Chief Minister Yediyurappa has urged people to celebrate the festival in a simple way.

Odisha is also among the states that restricted the use and sale of firecrackers during Diwali. The decision has been taken to adhere to the guidelines issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to decrease air pollution.

Rajasthan‘s Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has ordered a ban on firecrackers to protect the health of Covid-19 infected patients & the public from poisonous smoke emanating due to fireworks.

Sikkim has prohibited the use of firecrackers until further notice.

The Union Territory of Chandigarh has also issued a ban on all types of firecrackers this Diwali.