Deepavali 2024: Which States Are Banning Firecrackers, and What Are Penalties for Violations?

States Take Action Against Firecrackers for a Cleaner Deepavali 2024: As Deepavali 2024 comes, many states are preparing for a cracker-free celebration due to rising air pollution levels. Most states allow the use of green crackers, but only between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The lack of relaxation in regulations indicates a strong stance on environmental protection.

In anticipation of worsening pollution as winter sets in, states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu have implemented a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers. In Gurugram, district magistrate Nishant Kumar Yadav has announced a ban on firecrackers containing barium salts from October 22 to January 31, 2025. This decision aims to safeguard public health amid growing pollution concerns.

The Gurugram order specifies that only environmentally friendly “green” firecrackers may be used during certain festivals. These green crackers can be set off on Diwali, Gurpurab, and Christmas, but only during designated times: between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Diwali and Gurpurab, and from 11:55 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve.

This move aligns with guidelines from the Haryana Pollution Control Board and the Supreme Court, which have emphasized the negative impact of firecrackers on air quality. Yadav stated that the use of firecrackers leads to a significant increase in air pollution, raising the Air Quality Index (AQI) by 2.5 to 10 points during the festive season.

“A ban on firecrackers, especially those that are noisy and highly polluting, is crucial to avoid a spike in air pollution during winter when air quality often worsens,” Yadav said. He also noted that the sale and production of firecrackers would be closely monitored.

Enforcement will be a major focus of this ban. The district administration plans to utilize various agencies, including police, municipal officers, fire department personnel, and local authorities, to ensure compliance. Increased surveillance will be particularly targeted in markets and industrial areas to deter the illegal sale and production of banned firecrackers.

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