As Diwali 2024 approaches, several Indian states have imposed restrictions on firecracker use to address the escalating pollution concerns during the festival. With rising air pollution levels, states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and others have enforced measures ranging from complete firecracker bans to limitations on specific types of crackers. Here’s an overview of the firework restrictions across major Indian states for Diwali 2024.
Delhi: A Complete Firecracker Ban to Tackle Severe Air Pollution
Delhi, known for experiencing severe air quality deterioration in winter, has implemented a comprehensive ban on firecrackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has prohibited the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers across the city until January 1, 2025. This includes restrictions on online sales. However, an exception is made for “green crackers,” which are allowed for limited hours. Diwali festivities can include green crackers only between 8 PM and 10 PM, with other celebrations like Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve having similarly restricted timings. Green crackers are designed to reduce environmental harm by avoiding toxic chemicals such as barium and lead.
Bihar: Total Prohibition in Key Urban Areas
In Bihar, a state-wide prohibition on all firecrackers has been implemented in major cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur. Unlike some states that permit green crackers, Bihar has opted for a complete ban to prevent additional strain on air quality during Diwali.
Maharashtra: Strict Monitoring on Firecracker Sales
Maharashtra has adopted similar restrictions, allowing only green crackers, which emit approximately 30% less pollution than traditional firecrackers. However, enforcing these restrictions remains challenging due to the illegal sale of firecrackers from neighboring states with less stringent regulations. To address this, Maharashtra’s government is intensifying monitoring of firework sales. Additionally, Mumbai police have prohibited the sale and use of sky lanterns from October 23 to November 24, aiming to minimize both air and fire hazards during the celebrations.
Karnataka: Encouragement for Green Crackers with Suggested Time Limits
In Karnataka, the state government is encouraging citizens to use only green crackers. While there is no formal ban, the Environment Minister has advised limiting firecracker use to specific hours between 8 PM and 10 PM during Diwali.
Punjab: Regulated Firecracker Use Following Supreme Court and NGT Directives
Punjab has implemented stringent firecracker regulations in compliance with Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives. Fireworks are restricted to specific times during festivals such as Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The state only permits green crackers to be used as follows:
- Diwali (October 31): 8 PM to 10 PM
- Gurpurab (November 15): 4 AM to 5 AM & 9 PM to 10 PM
- Christmas (December 24-25): 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM
- New Year’s Eve (December 31-January 1): 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM
Haryana: Firecracker Regulations Align with Delhi’s Restrictions
Haryana’s firecracker regulations closely mirror those of Delhi, especially in Gurugram. The state permits the use of green crackers during designated hours on Diwali and Gurpurab, maintaining a balance between celebration and public health.
- Diwali & Gurpurab: 8 PM to 10 PM
Kerala: Time-Limited Firecracker Use
Kerala has limited firecracker use to two hours, from 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali, and from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. As in other states, only green crackers are allowed to be sold and used.
Tamil Nadu: Scheduled Firecracker Bursting Hours
In Tamil Nadu, the government has specified set hours for firecracker use: between 6 AM to 7 AM and 7 PM to 8 PM. Chief Minister MK Stalin has encouraged residents to choose green crackers with lower pollution and noise levels, and suggested community celebrations to limit environmental impact.
West Bengal: Compliance with NGT-Approved Green Crackers
In West Bengal, the government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, mandates that only certified green crackers approved by the NGT can be used. Residents in Kolkata and other areas can burst crackers between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali, in line with measures to ensure public health and environmental safety.
Emphasis on Public Health and Environmental Responsibility
The widespread restrictions reflect an effort by both state governments and citizens to embrace eco-friendly Diwali practices. As celebrations near, residents across states are urged to adhere to these regulations for a safe and sustainable Diwali, minimizing pollution and preserving air quality for the health of all.
