Diwali, the festival of lights is just round the corner and the air is filled with all the festival spirits. The festive joy has filled up the atmosphere and so has the pollution. Amidst the rising pollution levels the Delhi government re-imposed the ban on producing, selling, storing and using any types of firecrackers in the National Capital Region.
For the past three years, the Delhi government has maintained this practice of banning firecrackers during the Diwali season to curb the pollution levels in Winters. Environment Minister Gopal Rai said in a press conference that the Delhi police has been strictly instructed to enforce the instructions throughout the city.
He further stated “We have seen a considerable improvement in Delhi’s air quality in the last five-six years but we have to improve it further. Therefore, we have decided to ban firecrackers this year too.”
What are the rules for selling and bursting crackers in different states of India?
Delhi
As per the guidelines issued by the Delhi government last year, anyone found bursting firecrackers during the Diwali season will face a fine upto ₹200 and an imprisonment upto 6 months.
The government further warned that the production, storage and sale of the firecrackers in Delhi can attract a fine upto ₹5000 and a Jail term extending upto 3 years as per the section 9 B of the Explosives Act.
Haryana
The Haryana government has imposed a ban on all types of crackers till January 31. It excludes the green crackers which are going to be allowed for a limited timing in the state. On Diwali one can burst crackers between 8-10 pm only.
Uttar Pradesh
The UP government has imposed a complete ban on the fire crackers. They’ve allowed the green crackers but only when the AQI will be below 200 which is unlikely.
Punjab
The Punjab government has imposed a ban on firecrackers but they are allowed for a specific time period only. On Diwali, one cam burst crackers between 8-10 pm only while on Christmas and New Year it is going to be 11:55 – 12:30 am. On gurupurab people can burst crackers for one hour in the morning, 4-5 hours and evening 9 pm to 10 pm.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, crackers are allowed only between 7 pm to 10 pm. All the construction activities were also stopped in Maharashtra in the light of the pollution.
Karnataka
The government has allowed people to burst crackers only for 2 hours which is from 8 pm to 10 pm. The government has also directed the people to burst only the green crackers.
West Bengal
In West Bengal, only the green crackers are allowed between 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and on Chhath Pooja it is going to be 6 am to 8 am. On Christmas and New Year, the crackers will be allowed between 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.
