The Chandigarh Administration has restricted Diwali firecracker use to a two-hour window, 8 pm to 10 pm, and permitted only certified green crackers this year. The order also bans traditional firecracker strings, known as laris, and prohibits online sales through e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart.
According to the order issued by the UT Administration, only green crackers certified by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) are permitted for sale and use in the city. Only licensed vendors can sell firecrackers.
The restrictions aim to regulate firecracker use during Diwali in accordance with environmental and safety requirements. Residents have been directed to follow the prescribed timings and conditions while celebrating the festival.
Firecrackers banned near sensitive areas
The Administration has prohibited bursting firecrackers within 100 meters of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centers, educational institutions, courts, religious places, and other silence zones notified by the authorities.
The restriction covers locations where noise and other disturbances could affect patients, students, people attending religious places and others in designated silence zones. Residents must ensure that firecrackers are not burst within the prohibited distance of these locations.
Online sales prohibited
The order specifically prohibits online orders and sales of firecrackers through e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart. Only licensed vendors may sell permitted green crackers in Chandigarh.
The order also restricts traditional laris. Residents can use only the permitted category of crackers and must comply with the prescribed time window.
Violations may invite legal action
Violators may face action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Explosives Act, 1884, and other applicable laws.
The order sets conditions for the sale and use of firecrackers during Diwali, covering permitted products, authorized sellers, restricted locations, and celebration timing. Residents and vendors are required to follow these conditions.
The Administration’s directions aim to ensure Diwali celebrations in Chandigarh occur within the prescribed environmental and safety framework.
Damini Sharma
