The Rajasthan government announced a ban on the sale of firecrackers during the festive season in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. It also declared that schools and colleges would remain closed till November 16.

The state government said the decision to ban the sale of firecrackers has been taken in view of protecting the health of the corona-infected patients as well as keeping in view the health of the common people, who might feel uneasy with the smoke emanating from firecrackers. A ban on the temporary license for firecrackers sale has also been announced.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot while reviewing the coronavirus situation on Sunday said that protecting the lives of people was of paramount importance for the government in these challenging times.

"Fireworks should also be stopped at weddings and other ceremonies," he said, adding that strict action should be taken on vehicles plying on the streets without a fitness certificate.

He directed to take strict action against the sale of firecrackers and fireworks in Rajasthan and polluting vehicles running without fitness to protect the health of COVID-19-infected patients and the general public from the toxic smoke emitting from them, it said. In COVID-19 outbreak, people should avoid using fireworks on Diwali, he said.

(With inputs from IANS)