Diwali 2021 is on November 4 and owing to the current air quality of northern states in India and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the respiratory systems of many, several state governments decided to ban the usage and sale of firecrackers in the jurisdiction.
Though many states have imposed a complete ban on firecrackers this festive season, other states have issued guidelines regarding the usage of crackers this year. Administrations have issued a specific time period for which crackers can be burst and certain zonal restrictions.
Check the state-wise guidelines for the usage of crackers below-
Delhi- The Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the sale and usage of firecrackers this Diwali. This ban has been imposed till January 2022, as per the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, to curb the pollution levels in the city during the winter season.
Chhattisgarh- Earlier this week, the Chhattisgarh government issued guidelines for the usage of crackers for this festive season. In the guidelines, it is mentioned that bursting crackers is allowed during Diwali and Guruparva from 8 pm to 10 pm; from 6 am to 8 am on Chhath Puja, and from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on New Year and Christmas.
Assam- The Assam government has prohibited the sale and usage of all crackers this Diwali, apart from green crackers. The bursting of green crackers will be allowed on Diwali from 8 pm to 10 pm, from 6 am to 8 am during Chhath puja, and from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Haryana- The Haryana government has banned the sale and usage of crackers in 14 districts that are near Delhi and fall under NCR. The districts are Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Faridabad, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Jind, Karnal, Mahendergarh, Nuh, Palwal, Panipat, Rewari, Rohtak, and Sonipat.
Karnataka- Only the sale and usage of green crackers have been permitted in Karnataka. Vendors will be allowed to sell the green crackers from November 1 to November 10, as per the guidelines.
Odisha- The Odisha government has imposed a complete ban on the usage and sale of firecrackers. Only bursting green crackers shall be allowed on Diwali in the state.
Puducherry- The sale of firecrackers is permitted in Puducherry, but only at subsidized rates, as per government orders.
Chandigarh- To prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19 due to pollution and gathering, the administration has imposed a complete ban on the sale of usage of firecrackers.
Punjab- The manufacturing, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of firecrackers across Punjab has been banned by the government this year. The government has allowed the sale of green crackers in the state.
Tamil Nadu- The manufacturing of firecrackers containing barium salt and ‘Saravedi’ kind have been banned in Tamil Nadu this Diwali.
Rajasthan- The Rajasthan government has banned the sale and usage of firecrackers from October 1 to January 31, 2022. Green crackers will be allowed in areas that don’t fall under the national capital region.
