Punjab allows bursting of green crackers until Dec 31, sets time limit for sale

In a bid to protect public health during upcoming festivals of , the Punjab government has announced comprehensive regulations governing the sale and use of firecrackers.
These regulations aim to minimise the respiratory health risks associated with firecracker emissions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly.
An official spokesperson stated, “These festivals typically involve the use of firecrackers, which can detrimentally impact the respiratory health of vulnerable groups.”
The announcement aligns with orders from the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal, which have periodically mandated compliance regarding firecracker use.
Under the authority granted by the Central Government through Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the state government has imposed a ban on the manufacture, stockpiling, distribution, sale, and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris).
Only “green crackers,” which are free from harmful substances like barium and lead, are permitted for sale and use. Additionally, only licenced traders are allowed to sell these firecrackers, and any sales exceeding permissible decibel levels are strictly prohibited.
The government has set specific time windows for firecracker use during festivals.
Firecrackers will be allowed on Diwali (October 31, 2024) from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM; for Gurpurab (November 15, 2024), the timings 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.
In a significant move to curb online sales, e-commerce platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon are prohibited from accepting orders for firecrackers within Punjab.
To further ensure compliance, Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to conduct extensive public awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of firecrackers. Law enforcement agencies are tasked with monitoring that the sale and use of permitted green firecrackers occur only during the designated times and at approved locations.
The announcement by the AAP-led Punjab government comes just a day after the Delhi government announced a complete ban on firecrackers till January 1, 2025. Delhi’s air quality slipped into the poor category following Dussehra. It remained in the poor category as of Monday noon, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 228, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)’s order banned the manufacturing, storage, selling, including delivery through online platforms, and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi until January 1, 2025.
Delhi minister Gopal Rai urged the citizens to cooperate, saying, “Our only weapon is to cut down on the sources of pollution. We cannot change the weather, but we can limit the source.”