Firecrackers are illegal in some states for Diwali.
For the pollution-free holiday season of Diwali, numerous states have prohibited the use of firecrackers. On the other hand, many states have approved the sale and bursting of green crackers, also known as eco-friendly crackers, since they produce less pollution and suppress dust when they are exploded. On Thursday, November 4, India will celebrate Diwali.
Here is a list of states that have issued complete bans on cracker bursting for Diwali:
Delhi
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has banned the sale and use of firecrackers in the national capital till January 1, 2022.
“…There shall be a Complete Ban on the Bursting and Sale of All Types of Firecrackers in the Territory of NCT of Delhi until January 1, 2022,” the committee’s order copy stated.
Haryana
The Haryana government has banned the sale and usage of all types of firecrackers in 14 of the state’s districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) and imposed restrictions in other areas. According to the State Disaster Management Authority’s directive, complete bans have been enforced in Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Faridabad, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Jind, Karnal, Mahendergarh, Nuh, Palwal, Panipat, Rewari, Rohtak, and Sonipat.
According to the rule, only green crackers will be authorised for community bursting in places where ambient air quality is moderate or better (by large groups in designated open spots). Only green crackers are permitted at weddings and other events. According to the ruling, crackers can only be sold by licenced dealers. Meanwhile, the state pollution control board will publish a list of cities where firecrackers will be permitted.
Karnataka
During Diwali, the Karnataka government has permitted only green crackers to be sold and exploded and has encouraged citizens to rigorously follow Covid-19 regulations. “No other crackers can be sold or burst other than green crackers that have been approved by the Supreme Court in its orders,” according to an order issued by chief secretary P Ravi Kumar.
Only green crackers can be sold by sellers who have obtained the required licences from the relevant departments and agencies. Only between November 1 and 10 can vendors selling green crackers be open.
West Bengal
Green crackers will be authorised for two hours on the evenings of Diwali and Kali Puja from 8 pm to 10 pm, according to the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB). Green cracker-bursting will be permitted for two hours on Chhat Puja, from 6 am to 8 am, and for 35 minutes on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, according to the Board’s announcement.
To combat air pollution, the Calcutta High Court outlawed the sale, purchase, and usage of all firecrackers during Kali Puja, Diwali celebrations, and other festivals this year. The court declared that the term “firecrackers” would embrace all forms of sparklers and other similar materials, whether or not their exploding or burning produces any sound or light.
The judgement thereby nullifies the West Bengal Pollution Control Board’s rule allowing the use of “green” firecrackers on Diwali and Kali puja for a limited time.
Pune
An official informed news agency PTI that authorities in Pune have prohibited the manufacturing, sale, and possession of a firecracker known as a ‘sutli’ or ‘atom’ bomb. He noted that from October 27 to November 7, firecrackers are permitted in the city but that residents should not burst crackers that produce noise above 125 decibels.
The official further stated that noise-polluting firecrackers would not be permitted between 10 pm and 6 am.
Chhattisgarh
According to the Chhattisgarh government’s rules, firecrackers can be set off from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and Guruparva; from 6 am to 8 am on Chhath Puja from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on New Year’s and Christmas.
The selling of firecrackers that make high decibel sounds over the authorised limitations, on the other hand, has been prohibited. If dangerous substances such as lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead, and mercury are discovered in firecrackers, the maker risks losing its licence. The sale of crackers via the internet has also been prohibited.
Puducherry
Before Diwali, the Union territory has authorised the selling of firecrackers at affordable costs. A government organisation, Papsco, has also established up stores around the UT to sell the firecrackers at reduced prices. The organisation is offering the general public a 75% discount on firecrackers.
Rajasthan
This Diwali, the Rajasthan government has only allowed the sale and usage of green crackers. During the upcoming Christmas season, the government has also restricted the time of cracker explosions.
According to a revised government statement, crackers can be set off from 8 pm to 10 pm during holidays such as Diwali and Guruparab, 6 am to 8 am during Chhath Puja, and 11:55 pm – 12:30 am during Christmas and New Year.
It should be emphasised that the use of crackers will remain prohibited in areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the “bad” zone or lower.
