Risk of illegal import of firecrackers during Tihar

By Chandani Hamal, Kathmandu, Oct.23: A strict ban on the sale and purchase of firecrackers to be imposed on this year's Tihar. 

Despite a nationwide ban on the sale and purchase of firecrackers, there were explosions on just about every street corner every Tihar.

The government this time is all set to take stringent measures in the buying selling and usage of firecrackers by issuing a nationwide circular. 

With the end of the monsoon, dryness in the air is being observed, thereby, risking the probability of fire by firecrackers. 

Joint Secretary and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs Rishiram Tiwari said that the government is preparing to completely ban firecrackers during Tihar because of their impact on the environment and livelihood of people. 

He said, "We are preparing to send a circular to every district administration, according to which transportation and use of firecrackers will be strictly enforced."

The neighboring country India has imposed a ban on buying and selling firecrackers since last week. Because of this, there is a high risk of firecrackers being illegally brought to Nepal. 

The locals said that the rate of firecrackers through the open borders to districts of Terai has intensified. 

Spokesperson Tiwari said that the open border has made it very challenging to control the transportation of firecrackers. 

Tiwari informed that the transportation of crackers will be tightened at the border taking into account the possibility of an increase in the consumption of crackers after the ban by the Indian government. 

The desk of security personnel has been deployed at the border for this purpose. 

Deputy Director General of the Department of Environment Shailesh Kumar Jha said that not only do firecrackers worsen the quality of air necessary for people, but the chemicals used on firecrackers have an impact on people's health. 

Jha pointed out that there is a need for continuous monitoring of transportation and usage of firecrackers rather than just saying that firecrackers are banned.