THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT has announced comprehensive regulations for the sale and use of firecrackers across the state during the festive seasons of Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
An official spokesperson for the state government stated that these celebrations traditionally involve firecracker use, which poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
The spokesperson referenced directives from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal, which have mandated state compliance on firecracker usage. In alignment with these orders, the State Government, under powers granted by the Central Government through Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has enacted restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers in Punjab.
A statewide ban has been imposed on the manufacturing, stockpiling, distribution, sale, and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris). Only “green crackers”—those free from harmful substances such as barium salts and 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 these approved firecrackers. Additionally, the storage, display, or sale of firecrackers that exceed permissible decibel levels is strictly prohibited.
The government has also specified limited time windows for firecracker use during the festive season. On Diwali (October 31, 2024), firecrackers can only be used between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. For Gurpurab (November 15, 2024), the allowed timings are from 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. For Christmas Eve (December 25-26, 2024) and New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025), the permissible time for firecracker use is from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM.
Furthermore, e-commerce platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon are prohibited from accepting orders or facilitating sales of firecrackers within Punjab.
Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to launch extensive public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the harmful effects of firecrackers. Law enforcement agencies will ensure that the sale and use of green firecrackers adhere to the designated times and occur only at approved locations. 
Team PT
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