Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Chandigarh Administration has imposed strict restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers during Diwali and Gurpurab, prohibiting online sales and the bursting of series crackers, including ladi firecrackers. The orders have come into immediate effect and will remain in force until further directions.
Under the new guidelines, only green firecrackers certified by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) will be permitted for sale and use in the city. Series crackers, including those falling under the green category, have also been banned due to concerns over air and noise pollution and the generation of solid waste.
The administration has prescribed specific time slots for bursting firecrackers. On Diwali, residents will be allowed to burst crackers only between 8 pm and 10 pm. On Gurpurab, the permitted timings will be from 4 am to 5 am and from 9 pm to 10 pm. Bursting crackers outside these hours or selling prohibited varieties may invite legal action.
Only Licensed Vendors Allowed to Sell Crackers
The administration has clarified that firecrackers can be sold only by licensed vendors. They must ensure that their stock includes only those varieties permitted by the authorities.
Online sales have been prohibited across e-commerce platforms. Websites such as Amazon and Flipkart will not be allowed to accept online orders for or sell firecrackers in Chandigarh.
Ban Within 100 Metres of Sensitive Areas
The guidelines prohibit bursting firecrackers within 100 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, educational institutions, courts and religious places. The restriction will also apply to other silence zones designated by the administration.
The measures are aimed at reducing pollution and protecting patients, students and other people in sensitive areas from the harmful effects of firecrackers.
Police to Ensure Strict Enforcement
The responsibility for enforcing the restrictions will rest with the concerned government departments and agencies, particularly the police. Authorities will ensure that firecrackers are burst only during the prescribed hours and that prohibited varieties are not sold.
The Station House Officer (SHO) of the concerned police station will be held personally responsible for violations under the enforcement directions.
Meanwhile, the administration's Public Relations Department will conduct awareness campaigns to educate residents about the harmful effects of firecrackers and encourage them to follow the guidelines during the festive season.
