Mumbai, October 30: With worsened AQI levels in major cities and pollution levels on the rise as winter approaches, several states across India are implementing measures to mitigate the impact during the festive season of Diwali 2024 and forthcoming New Year. While the Maharashtra government has allowed bursting of firecrackers, the Mumbai Police have banned the use and sale of sky lanterns for a month amid Diwali 2024 celebrations.

In a significant move, Delhi has imposed a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers as a proactive measures to tackle rising pollution levels. Similarly, Bihar has enforced a ban in its capital city, Patna. Additionally, various other states are encouraging residents to opt for green crackers, which are less harmful to the environment compared to traditional firecrackers.

List of States and Cities Where Restrictions on Firecrackers Are Imposed

Delhi Imposes Complete Firecracker Ban:

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has imposed a total ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers until January 1, 2025, including online sales. Only ‘green crackers’, which are less harmful, will be permitted during limited hours: from 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali, with adjusted timings for Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. These green crackers are free from toxic chemicals like barium and lead. Arvind Kejriwal’s Diwali 2024 Message: AAP Supremo Urges Delhi Residents to Light Diyas, Avoid Firecrackers To Reduce Air Pollution As AQI Continues To Be in ‘Poor Category’.

Bihar:

In Bihar, authorities have implemented a complete ban on all types of firecrackers, including green alternatives, in major cities such as Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur.

Maharashtra:

Maharashtra follows similar regulations, allowing only green crackers that produce around 30% less pollution than traditional options. Despite this, enforcement remains a challenge due to illegal firecracker sales from states with looser regulations. To combat this, authorities are ramping up monitoring efforts. Additionally, the Mumbai Police have banned the use and sale of sky lanterns from October 23 to November 24. Diwali Tragedy in Rajasthan: Boy Critically Injured While Trying To Burst Firecracker Made Watching YouTube Video in Jhunjhunu.

Karnataka:

In Karnataka, the state government encourages residents to use only green crackers during Diwali. The Environment Minister has suggested restricting firework usage to specific hours between 8 PM and 10 PM, although no formal ban has been issued.

Punjab: 

Punjab’s government has implemented strict regulations following Supreme Court and NGT directives. Firecracker use is limited to specific hours on festivals such as Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Only green crackers are permitted during the following times:

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:

In Haryana, particularly in Gurugram, regulations mirror those in Delhi. Green crackers are permitted during specific hours on Diwali and Gurpurab, allowing for limited celebrations while prioritising air quality:

Diwali & Gurpurab: 8 PM to 10 PM

Christmas Eve: 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM

Kerala: Limited Firecracker Usage Kerala has restricted firecracker usage to two hours: between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali, and from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Only green crackers will be sold in the state.

Tamil Nadu: 

The Tamil Nadu government has mandated that firecrackers can only be burst between 6 AM to 7 AM and 7 PM to 8 PM. CM MK Stalin has urged residents to opt for low-pollution, low-sound green crackers and to organise community firecracker displays in common areas.

West Bengal: 

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 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali.

Odisha

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has issued guidelines for Diwali celebrations, urging residents to burst firecrackers only between 7 PM and 9 PM. The board has mandated that only green crackers are permitted in open areas, explicitly prohibiting the use of chemical firecrackers containing barium nitrate.

The restrictions and regulations on firecrackers are aimed at ensuring a festive yet safe celebration. These regulations are designed to prioritise public health and environmental safety. Authorities urge residents to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe and sustainable Diwali for all. We at Latestly wish you a happy and prosporous Diwali 2024.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2024 07:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).