The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday ordered bursting of firecrackers in the two states and Union Territory Chandigarh only between 6. 30 p. m. and 9. 30 p. m.
The court said no one will be allowed to burst crackers before or after the time slot.
The order by a Division Bench of Justice A. K. Mittal and Justice Amit Rawal came four days after the Supreme Court banned sale of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region this Diwali.
The High Court pointed to air and noise pollution in several places in both Punjab and Haryana, especially the industrial hub of Ludhiana.
Deputy Commissioners concerned have been asked to take necessary steps to enforce compliance of the order.