Representative file image. | Photo credit: KR Deepak

Anticipating an increase in pollution levels as winter approaches, many states, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, have taken proactive measures by imposing an immediate ban on production, storage , the sale and use of firecrackers.

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With no relaxation announced yet, people should prepare for a cracker-free Deepavali. The rules have been laid down, with most states allowing bursting of green crackers between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., keeping in mind the worsening air pollution situation.

Delhi

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) order has banned manufacturing, storage, sale, delivery through online platforms and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi till January 1, 2025. Only ‘green crackers’, which are accessible from harmful substances like barium and lead, are permitted for sale and use. Firecrackers will be allowed on Deepavali (October 31, 2024) from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; for Gurpurab (November 15, 2024), timings are 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; On Christmas Eve (December 25-26, 2024) and New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025), firecrackers can be used from 11:55 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Maharashtra and West Bengal

Maharashtra and West Bengal have also followed suit by implementing the ban and restricting the sale and use of all firecrackers, except certified ‘green’ alternatives, as per the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines ). These green crackers are designed to emit 30% less pollution than traditional crackers. However, enforcing this ban has proven difficult, as people often resort to smuggling crackers from neighboring states where the ban is not always enforced as strictly.

Punjab

Following the orders of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal, issued from time to time to comply with the use of firecrackers, the State Government, exercising the powers delegated by the Central Government under Section 5 of the Act on Environment (Protection), 1986, implemented prohibitions, restrictions. and regulation of sale and use of firecrackers in Punjab. Bursting of firecrackers is permitted from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Deepavali (October 31), from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. and again from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Gurpurab (November 15), from 11:55 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Haryana

In Haryana’s Gurugram, a similar ban was enforced, but with an exception for green crackers on Deepavali night. The decree, published Wednesday, specifies that only “green” firecrackers, less harmful to the environment, can be used during certain celebrations. These crackers can be used for a limited time on Deepavali, Gurpurab and Christmas. In Deepavali and Gurpurab, green crackers will be allowed between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., while on Christmas Eve, they can be used from 11:55 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Tamilnadu

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has issued comprehensive guidelines to control pollution caused by firecrackers during the upcoming Deepavali celebrations. According to the advisory, which aims to manage noise and pollution levels during the festival, the designated time slots for bursting firecrackers are between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. In order to address the environmental and health impacts of firecrackers, says the TNPCB advisory. collaborates with various government departments to raise public awareness of safe practices.