CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has issued comprehensive regulations governing the sale and use of firecrackers in the state during the festive seasons of Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
An official spokesperson of the state government said today that these festivals typically involve the use of firecrackers, which can detrimentally impact the respiratory health of vulnerable groups, including the elderly.
The spokesperson cited orders from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal, issued periodically for state compliance regarding firecracker use. In accordance with these orders, the State Government, exercising powers delegated by the Central Government under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has implemented prohibitions, restrictions and regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers in Punjab.
He said that a statewide ban has been imposed on the manufacture, stockpiling, distribution, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris). Only "green crackers" (those free from barium salts or compounds of antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic, lead or strontium chromate) are permitted for sale and use. Sales are restricted to licensed traders dealing exclusively in permitted firecrackers and storing, displaying or selling firecrackers exceeding permissible decibel levels is prohibited.
The government has established limited time windows for firecracker use during festivals. On Diwali (October 31, 2024), firecrackers are allowed from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. For Gurpurab (November 15, 2024), the permitted times are 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Christmas Eve (December 25-26, 2024) and New Year's Eve (December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025), firecrackers can be used from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM.
The spokesperson said that e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart and Amazon, are prohibited from accepting online orders or facilitating sales within Punjab.
Besides this, Deputy Commissioners are instructed to conduct extensive public awareness campaigns highlighting the harmful effects of firecrackers. Law enforcement agencies are tasked with ensuring that the sale and use of permitted green firecrackers occur only during designated times and at approved locations.