Diwali 2024: Several states issue strict orders for bursting firecrackers, complete ban in few; Details Inside

New Delhi: A few states in India, including the national capital, are taking proactive measures to tackle rising pollution levels. With the festive season of Diwali on and the imminent winter season, authorities are taking no chances.

Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu have placed strict regulations on firecracker usage in view of the deteriorating air quality.

Sharing with you the steps taken by quite a couple of states in connection with the firecrackers bursting and burning.

Delhi has an entire firecracker ban

The Delhi Pollution Regulate Committee (DPCC) has imposed an entire ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, including online sales, and use of firecrackers until January 1, 2025.

Handiest green crackers will likely be permitted at some point of limited hours, from eight PM to 10 PM on Diwali, with adjusted timings for Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

Bihar has complete ban on firecrackers

In major cities akin to Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur of Bihar, authorities have implemented an entire ban on all forms of firecrackers including green possible choices.

Maharashtra: Strict monitoring of fireworks sales

Maharashtra has allowed only green crackers as they produce around 30% less pollution than traditional options but enforcement remains a challenge caused by illegal firecracker sales from states with looser regulations.

The Mumbai Police have banned the use and sale of sky lanterns from October 23 to November 24.

Karnataka has encouraged green crackers

In Karnataka, the state government has encouraged residents to make use of only green crackers at some point of Diwali. The Environment Minister has suggested restricting fireworks usage to specific hours between eight PM and 10 PM.

No formal ban has been issued within the state.

Punjab has regularised use of firecrackers

• The Punjab government has implemented strict regulations following Supreme Court and NGT directives. Firecracker use is limited to specific hours on festivals akin to Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve and only green crackers are permitted as per the following time:
• Diwali (October 31): eight PM to 10 PM
• Gurpurab (November 15): Four AM to 5 AM & 9 PM to 10 PM
• Christmas (December 24-25): eleven:fifty five PM to 12:30 AM
• New Year’s Eve (December 31-January 1): eleven:fifty five PM to 12:30 AM

Haryana has similar rules as Delhi

In Haryana, especially in Gurugram, regulations are the same as those in Delhi. Green crackers are permitted at some point of specific hours on Diwali and Gurpurab, taking into consideration limited celebrations while prioritising air quality.

Kerala has limited use of firecrackers

Kerala has restricted firecracker usage to two hours, between eight PM and 10 PM on Diwali, and from eleven:fifty five PM to 12:30 AM on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Handiest green crackers will likely be sold within the state.

Tamil Nadu issues schedule

The Tamil Nadu government has mandated that firecrackers can only be burst between 6 AM to 7 AM and 7 PM to eight PM. CM MK Stalin has urged residents to come to a decision low-pollution, low-sound green crackers and to organise community firecracker displays in common areas.

West Bengal has issued NGT compliant orders

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government has stipulated that only certified green crackers, compliant with NGT directives, are allowed. In Kolkata, residents can burst crackers between eight PM and 10 PM on Diwali.

(With agency inputs)