Diwali 2022: Ban on fireworks to green crackers, here are some restrictions across India
Ahead of Diwali 2022, several states such as Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Haryana, and Punjab among others have imposed a ban or restricted the use of fireworks to control pollution.
In Short
- Many states in India have imposed a total or partial ban on firecrackers during Diwali
- Some states have allowed bursting of green firecrackers during specified hours
- Those caught offending the rules can be both fined and jailed
It's that time of the year when we light up our houses with earthen lamps and candles and celebrate the victory of good over evil. But, ahead of Diwali 2022, many states in India have banned the sale, purchase and use of firecrackers to control pollution levels across the country.
The pollution level starts to rise with the commencement of the winter season and bursting firecrackers only make things worse. Hence, firecrackers have been banned in several cities. However, some cities have allowed the sale and use of green crackers on Diwali.
Let's look at different restrictions and rules on Diwali 2022 across India.
DIWALI DO'S AND DON'T ACROSS INDIA
DELHI
The production, storage, sale, and bursting of crackers have been banned in Delhi to control the air and noise pollution levels in the state.
A fine of Rs 200 to Rs 5,000 and/or imprisonment for three years has been announced for those who will be found bursting or selling crackers on Diwali this year.
Delhi environment minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai said, "Strict action will be taken against those who burst crackers till Diwali. Under section 268 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), there is a provision of a fine of Rs 200 and/or jail for 6 months against those who burst crackers."
MUMBAI
The Mumbai Police has banned the sale of firecrackers without permission in the city. Strict action will be taken against those who will be found selling firecrackers without a licence.
CHENNAI
The Chennai Police has also released several restrictions regarding the celebrations of Diwali in the city.
As per the judgment given by the Supreme Court, only green crackers are allowed in the city and only for two hours, i.e. from 6 am to 7 am and from 7 pm to 8 pm.
Bursting, producing or selling firecrackers which have a noise level of more than 125 decibels within four meters of their blast has been banned.
ALSO READ: What exactly is a green cracker? An explainer
All Chinese-made firecrackers have also been banned in Chennai. The residents are not allowed to burst crackers near petrol bunks, cars and three-wheeler parking lots.
Also, smoking near shops selling crackers has also been banned in the city.
JAIPUR
If you want to celebrate Diwali by bursting crackers with your loved ones, Jaipur is the destination for you. Around 107 shops in the city have been granted permanent licences to sell firecrackers in the city.
CHANDIGARH
In Chandigarh and other parts of Punjab, the state government has permitted a window of two hours to burst green crackers in the city. Residents are allowed to burn crackers from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali.
HARYANA
In a bid to control pollution levels, Haryana's chief minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, has imposed a complete ban on the sale, purchase and use of fireworks. However, green crackers are allowed.
The decision was taken following the orders of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and the National Green Tribunal.
KOLKATA
All firecrackers except for green crackers bearing QR codes have been prohibited by the state government in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal.
A team from the police department has also been appointed to inspect the firecrackers which would be sold in the market.
PATNA
The Bihar government announced a complete ban on the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in Patna, Muzaffarpur and Gaya.
These cities have reportedly been marked as non-attainment cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The state government has also imposed a complete ban on green crackers in these cities.
UTTAR PRADESH
Unlike some of the states, the Uttar Pradesh government has not imposed a complete ban on firecrackers. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath encouraged the sale and purchase of environment-friendly firecrackers during Diwali.
However, he said that highly sensitive firecrackers should not be sold in cities.
JAMMU
The district magistrate of Jammu has ordered that no fireworks, crackers or explosive materials shall be stored, sold or used in the city, other than those specified by the DM office.
PUNE
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has also put a strict policy on running illegal firecracker stalls in the city.
The PMC administration has given permission for temporary firecracker stalls in open plots, which are finalised after considering the safety of citizens.
There is a total ban on setting up stalls on roads, footpaths and congested areas.
AHMEDABAD
Ahmedabad is going to celebrate the festival of lights with pomp and show this year. However, as per the reports, the police have banned the sale and use of a series of firecrackers and bundled firecrackers in the city.
The police stated that these firecrackers lead to road accidents if they burst into a public place. The officials have allowed a window of two hours, from 8 pm and 10 pm, for bursting crackers in the city.
ODISHA
The Odisha government has allowed the sale and use of firecrackers at seven different places in Bhubaneswar. Apart from this, no official ban on the manufacturing, sale and bursting of firecrackers has been notified so far.
While Diwali is the festival of lights and victory of good over evil, it's important to make sure that we are protecting our city from being polluted. Hence, we all must celebrate this day, wisely.
Happy Diwali, folks!