• Source:JND
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Diwali 2024: Many states, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu, have taken preventative steps by immediately outlawing the manufacture, sale, storage, and use of firecrackers during Diwali in anticipation of an increase in pollution levels as winter draws near.

People should prepare for a Deepavali without firecrackers since no relaxation has been declared yet. Given the deteriorating air pollution situation, regulations have been established, with the majority of states allowing the bursting of green crackers between 8 and 10 PM.

Let us see which states have banned firecrackers this Diwali.

Delhi

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) issued an order prohibiting the manufacture, storage, sale, delivery via online platforms, and bursting of all types of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi until January 1, 2025. Only "green crackers," free of dangerous chemicals like barium and lead, are approved for sale and usage. Firecrackers will be permitted on Deepavali (October 31, 2024) from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, on Gurpurab (November 15, 2024), from 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM; and on Christmas Eve (December 25-26, 2024) and New Year's Eve (December 31, 2024-January 1, 2025), from 11:55 PM to 12:30 PM.

Maharashtra And West Bengal

Following the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) recommendations, West Bengal and Maharashtra have likewise implemented the ban and limited the sale and usage of all firecrackers, except approved "green" alternatives. Compared to traditional crackers, these green crackers are made to produce 30 percent less pollution. However, because crackers are frequently smuggled from neighbouring States where the restriction may not be as tightly enforced, enforcement has been difficult.

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Punjab

The state government, using the authority granted by the central government under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has put restrictions, limitations, and bans on the sale and use of firecrackers in Punjab in response to the Supreme Court's and the National Green Tribunal's periodic orders for compliance regarding firecracker use. Fireworks are permitted from 8 PM to 10 PM on Deepavali (October 31), from 4 AM to 5 AM and again from 9 PM to 10 PM on Gurpurab (November 15), and from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Haryana

In Haryana's Gurugram, a similar prohibition has been implemented, with the exception of green crackers on Deepavali night. The rule, announced on Wednesday, states that only "green" firecrackers, which are less hazardous to the environment, may be used during certain festivities. These crackers may only be used during Deepavali, Gurpurab, and Christmas. Green crackers will be permitted on Deepavali and Gurpurab from 8 PM to 10 PM, and on Christmas Eve from 11.55 PM to 12.30 AM.

Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has published extensive rules to prevent pollution from firecrackers during the approaching Deepavali celebrations. According to the advise, which attempts to limit noise and pollution levels during the event, the designated times to let off fireworks are 6 AM to 7 AM and 7 PM to 8 PM. According to the advice, the TNPCB is working with several government ministries to educate the public on safe firecracker practices in order to mitigate their environmental and health implications.