Diwali 2024: 7 States Which Have Banned Firecrackers

These regulations vary by state but aim to reduce air and noise pollution while encouraging the use of eco-friendly alternatives. Here’s a look at the firecracker policies adopted by each of these states this Diwali.

In Delhi, a city that faces significant air quality issues every winter, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has enacted a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers until January 1, 2025, including online sales.

Only 'green crackers,' which are less harmful, will be allowed during designated hours: from 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali, with modified timings for Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve as well.

In Bihar, officials have enforced a total ban on all types of firecrackers, including eco-friendly options, in key cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur.

Maharashtra enforces similar rules, permitting only green crackers that emit approximately 30% less pollution than conventional types. However, enforcement is challenging due to illegal firecracker sales from states with more lenient policies. To address this, authorities are intensifying monitoring efforts. Furthermore, the Mumbai Police have prohibited the sale and use of sky lanterns from October 23 to November 24.

In Karnataka, the state government is urging residents to use only green crackers for Diwali celebrations. The Environment Minister has recommended limiting firework usage to specific hours from 8 PM to 10 PM, though no official ban has been imposed.

The Punjab government has enforced stringent regulations in line with directives from the Supreme Court and NGT. Firecracker usage is restricted to certain hours during festivals like Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Only green crackers are allowed between 8 PM and 10 PM.

Kerala has limited firecracker usage to two specific time frames: 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali, and 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Only green crackers are permitted for sale in the state.

The Tamil Nadu government has specified that firecrackers may only be used between 6 AM to 7 AM and 7 PM to 8 PM. Chief Minister MK Stalin has encouraged residents to choose low-pollution, low-noise green crackers and to hold community firecracker displays in shared spaces.

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration has mandated that only certified green crackers, in line with NGT guidelines, are permitted. In Kolkata, residents are allowed to burst crackers between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali.