Punjab Government on Monday issued stringent regulations governing the sale and use of firecrackers for the upcoming festive season. With Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve celebrations around the corner, these new guidelines are designed to curb environmental pollution and safeguard public health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, who are more susceptible to respiratory issues caused by firecracker pollution.
 
Acting in accordance with directives from the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal, the State Government has imposed a statewide ban on the manufacture, distribution, and sale of hazardous firecrackers. Only “green crackers” — devoid of harmful chemicals such as barium salts and compounds of antimony, mercury, and arsenic — will be permitted for sale and use. The official spokesperson highlighted that these measures aim to ensure compliance with environmental safety norms, addressing increasing concerns over air quality.
 
Under the new regulations, firecracker sales will be limited to licensed traders authorized to deal exclusively in green crackers. Firecrackers exceeding permissible decibel levels or containing banned substances are strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the Government has implemented designated time slots for the use of firecrackers during festivals.
 
For Diwali (October 31), firecracker use will be restricted to a two-hour window from 8 pm to 10 pm. Gurpurab (November 15) celebrations will allow for firecracker use from 4 am to 5 am, and again from 9 pm to 10 pm. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, firecrackers will be permitted from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am only.
 
Additionally, the sale of firecrackers via e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart, is prohibited to prevent unauthorized distribution within the State. This ban seeks to ensure stricter monitoring of sales and adherence to the licensing system.
 
Deputy Commissioners across Punjab have been directed to spearhead extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public on the harmful effects of firecrackers on health and the environment. The Government has also tasked law enforcement agencies with ensuring strict compliance with these regulations. Monitoring will be heightened at markets and public spaces to prevent illegal sales and to ensure that firecracker use is confined to designated hours and locations.