Kolkata Police Permits Firecracker Use Between 8-10 PM On Diwali And Kali Puja | Check Guidelines For Chhath Puja

Kolkata Firecracker Restrictions: With the festive season approaching, the Kolkata Police have announced strict guidelines for Diwali and Kali puja celebrations, permitting the use of only eco-friendly firecrackers.

According to the guideline, the bursting of green firecrackers will be allowed only within a two-hour window, from 8 PM to 10 PM on October 20, aiming to curb pollution and ensure public safety, news agency PTI reported.

Confirming the guidelines, a senior Kolkata Police officer said that strict adherence to the designated time frame is crucial, adding, “Any violation of the permitted hours will result in penal action.” This move follows the recent directives from the Supreme Court, the Calcutta High Court and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board.

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Restrictions On Chhath Puja Fireworks

In addition to Diwali and Kali Puja, the Kolkata Police have permitted residents to burst firecrackers during Chhath Puja on October 28. As per the guidelines, the use of firecrackers will be allowed between 6 AM and 8 AM on October 28 to mark the early morning celebrations.

Crackdown On Illegal Firecrackers Intensifies

The Kolkata Police have stepped up enforcement measures to ensure strict adherence to the new firecracker guidelines. As a part of the ongoing efforts, Kolkata Police have seized 2,572 kg of illegal fireworks and arrested four individuals across 21 cases since September 20.

So far, nearly 3,000 kg of banned firecrackers have been confiscated in a total of 29 cases, with seven people arrested as part of the ongoing operations.

WBPCB Issues NoCs For Firecracker Sale Under Tightened Surveillance

As a part of the Diwali and Kali Puja preparations, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) have issued No Objection Certificates (NoCs) to stalls selling firecrackers at various baji bazars (fireworks fairs) across Kolkata. A WBPCB official said that approximately 80 per cent of the tested firecrackers met the required safety and environmental standards.

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However, authorities remain alert, having seized around 20 per cent of the firecrackers found to exceed permissible noise levels or violate environmental norms.