Haryana government has issued a new order regarding firecrackers for Diwali this year. These firecrackers can be burst this Diwali
The Haryana government has taken a major step to curb pollution. Now, the manufacture, sale, online and offline storage, and use of all types of firecrackers—whether gunpowder-based or fancy—will be completely banned in non-NCR districts. Only certified green firecrackers are allowed to be burst on special occasions like Diwali, Guruparva, Christmas, and New Year's. These firecrackers are also time-limited—e.g., from 8 to 10 pm on Diwali and from 11:55 to 12:30 am on Christmas or New Year's.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change issued this order under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
The administration and police will enforce the order throughout the state throughout the year. Importantly, permission from agencies like NEAR and PESO is required for authentic green firecrackers to ensure they meet the standards.
The online sale of firecrackers will also be completely banned. The government has directed all e-commerce companies, including Flipkart and Amazon, to immediately stop accepting orders from those districts. If banned firecrackers are found being sold on online platforms, a case will be filed.
Violations of the order carry heavy fines and penalties—up to five years' imprisonment or a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both, for a first offense, and up to seven years' imprisonment for repeated violations. Police and environmental control board officials can conduct raids without warrants to seize firecrackers and make arrests.
The reason for this ban is simple—harmful chemicals, including PM 2.5 and PM 10, emitted from firecrackers are most dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. Air quality deteriorates further during the winter season, so strict measures were necessary.
This year, it is the responsibility of every citizen in Haryana to follow the orders and help keep their areas pollution-free. The police have also clarified that unlicensed firecracker sellers and users will be under special surveillance.