As Diwali 2024 nears, Indian states are intensifying restrictions on firecrackers to combat rising pollution levels and safeguard public health. With the festival season approaching alongside cooler weather that tends to trap pollutants, states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu have enforced stringent regulations on firecracker usage. While some states implement a complete ban, others limit usage to ‘green crackers’ during designated hours. These measures aim to balance festive celebrations with environmental concerns.
With Diwali just around the corner, India’s efforts to tackle rising pollution levels have led to strict firecracker regulations across multiple states. The aim is to curb air quality deterioration during the winter season, which worsens due to increased festival activities and atmospheric conditions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of firecracker laws enforced across the country this Diwali season.
Delhi: Full Ban on Firecrackers
Delhi has imposed a comprehensive ban on all firecracker manufacturing, storage, sale, and use until January 1, 2025. “The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has prohibited firecracker activities across the city, including online sales,” marking a determined effort to improve air quality. The ban only allows ‘green crackers,’ which are devoid of toxic chemicals like barium and lead, between 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali. Additional timings are permitted for Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, ensuring minimal air pollution.
Bihar: Strict Prohibition in Major Cities
In Bihar, authorities have extended the complete ban to include even green firecrackers. Major cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur are enforcing this regulation. With these stringent measures, Bihar seeks to protect urban air quality during the celebratory season.
Maharashtra: Focus on Green Crackers and Sky Lantern Ban
Maharashtra has implemented strict guidelines allowing only green crackers, which emit 30% less pollution than conventional options. Although enforcement is challenging due to illegal firecracker supplies from states with lenient laws, “the state is increasing its monitoring efforts,” particularly around Diwali. Notably, the Mumbai Police have also banned the sale and use of sky lanterns from October 23 to November 24, further ensuring safety and pollution control.
Karnataka: Encouragement Towards Green Firecrackers
In Karnataka, the state government recommends using green crackers and limits their use to designated hours. The Environment Minister has requested that Diwali fireworks be confined to 8 PM to 10 PM, although no official ban has been enacted. This advisory approach highlights the state’s focus on voluntary compliance.
Punjab: Supreme Court-Backed Regulations
Punjab has aligned its firecracker laws with directives from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Green crackers are permitted only during specific time slots for festivals, including Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. For instance, on Diwali (October 31), residents can use firecrackers between 8 PM and 10 PM, while additional time slots are set for Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The measures balance festivity with environmental responsibility.
Haryana: Echoes Delhi’s Rules
Following Delhi’s footsteps, Haryana has enforced similar firecracker restrictions, particularly in Gurugram. Green crackers are allowed only during designated hours on Diwali and Gurpurab (8 PM to 10 PM), and on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve (11:55 PM to 12:30 AM). These restrictions aim to preserve air quality while allowing limited celebrations.
Kerala: Shortened Firecracker Windows
Kerala has mandated that firecracker use be restricted to two hours on Diwali (8 PM to 10 PM) and during a limited time on Christmas and New Year’s Eve (11:55 PM to 12:30 AM). The state has also permitted only green crackers to be sold, highlighting a commitment to minimize pollution.
Tamil Nadu: Scheduled Firecracker Timings
Tamil Nadu’s regulations designate two specific hours for firecracker use: between 6 AM and 7 AM and from 7 PM to 8 PM. CM MK Stalin has urged residents to select low-pollution, low-sound green crackers and promote community displays in common spaces. This approach aims to accommodate cultural traditions while reducing noise and air pollution.
West Bengal: Compliance with NGT Standards
In West Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee’s administration mandates that only certified green crackers be used, in line with NGT guidelines. “Kolkata residents can celebrate Diwali with green crackers between 8 PM and 10 PM,” reflecting the state’s commitment to a responsible celebration that prioritizes public health.
As Diwali approaches, these strict regulations across various Indian states reflect a growing awareness and effort to mitigate pollution for a healthier environment. Residents are urged to adhere to the guidelines and use green crackers responsibly, allowing for a festive yet environmentally conscious celebration.
