New Delhi: With the rising pollution level and the festival of Diwali around the corner, many states in India have taken preemptive measures to keep an eye on the increasing pollution. To reduce the worsening pollution, some states in India have either a complete ban on burning firecrackers or a total ban on their manufacture and storage. This Diwali, the only firecrackers that have been allowed are the ‘green’ crackers. In this article, let us look at the list of states that issued guidelines regarding firecrackers.
List of states where firecrackers are banned
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Maharashtra
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Tamil Nadu
Delhi
In Delhi, the manufacturing, sale, storage and bursting of all types of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi is completely banned until January 1, 2025. Recently, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote a letter to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and urged him to take immediate action against those involved in firecrackers’ illegal sale and distribution. It should be noted that for over a week, the capital has been grappling with poor air quality, consistently falling in the red zone.
Firecrackers will be allowed on:
- Diwali, October 31: From 8 pm to 10 pm
- Gurpurab, November 15: From 4 am to 5 am and 9 pm to 10 pm
- Christmas, December 25-26: From 11.55 pm to 12.30 am
- New Year’s Eve and New Year, December 31, 2024–January 1, 2025: Firecrackers will be allowed from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am.
Haryana
The rules in Haryana regarding the firecracker ban are similar to those in Delhi, especially in Gurugram. Crackers can be used for a limited time on Diwali, Gurpurab, and Christmas. On Diwali and Gurpurab, green firecrackers will be allowed between 8 pm and 10 pm. On Christmas, they can be used from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am.
Bihar
The Bihar government has banned the sale and use of all types of crackers to reduce air pollution during Diwali. Green crackers have also been banned in Gaya, Patna, Hajipur and Muzaffarpur. This comes after a National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive to maintain acceptable air quality levels in these cities.
West Bengal
West Bengal has implemented measures to follow the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) recommendations. Only green firecrackers will be allowed, as they produce around 30 per cent less pollution than conventional firecrackers. The sale, storage, and use of all other types of firecrackers will be banned in the state.
Maharashtra
Following NGT’s order to ban firecrackers, Maharashtra has implemented a ban on all types of firecrackers except that of ‘green’ crackers.
Punjab
In Punjab, the Environment (Protection) Act empowers the state to control the sale and use of firecrackers through strict regulations. Firecrackers will be used for limited specified hours on Diwali and other major festivals like Gurpurab, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Tamil Nadu
Taking a unique approach, the Tamil Nadu government has set specific time slots for Diwali (from 6 am to 7 am and 7 pm to 8 pm. An advisory has also been issued urging responsible firecracker use.
