IN a bid to curb air pollution and promote a greener, quieter festive season, Chhattisgarh State has introduced strict regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers. These measures, guided by directives from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal, are set to come into effect during the upcoming Diwali, Chhath Puja, Guru Parab, New Year, and Christmas celebrations. As per official sources, the State Administration has taken a significant step towards environmental responsibility by allowing only green firecrackers to be sold and used. These eco-friendly firecrackers are known for emitting reduced levels of pollutants, ensuring a cleaner environment. For revelers looking forward to lighting up the sky with fireworks, there is a time constraint in place. As per the guidelines, firecrackers can be ignited for a duration of two hours during the designated festive occasions. These time slots have been carefully chosen to minimize noise pollution and discomfort to the public. The permitted time for fireworks on Diwali is from 8 pm 10 pm.

 

During Chhath Puja, the window for fireworks is from 6 am to 8 am. On Guru Parab, the firecrackers will be allow to be burn from 8 pm to 10 pm. On New Year's Eve and Christmas, the specified time for firecrackers is from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am. In urban areas including Raipur, Bilaspur, Bhilai-Durg, Raigarh and Korba, residents and businesses are required to adhere to these regulations. Notably, the use of firecrackers is entirely banned in these regions from December 1 to January 31, aligning with the winter season when pollution levels tend to spike. These rules align with the provisions subsection-5, Section 19 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and reflect the state government's commitment to environmental protection and public health. The Supreme Court's orders issued on November 23, 2018, have provided additional guidelines.

 

These emphasize sale of improved and green firecrackers solely by licensed traders, ensuring that only firecrackers meeting prescribed noise level standards are available in market. String firecrackers and those with potential environmental hazards, such as lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead, and mercury, are prohibited. Manufacturers who fail to comply with these requirements risk having their licenses revoked. Furthermore, the sale of firecrackers through online commercial platforms, such as Flipkart and Amazon, has been prohibited. District administrations have been entrusted with the task of rigorous enforcement to ensure strict compliance with these guidelines, underscoring the state’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and public well-being.