Days before the Diwali festival, the Haryana government has enforced a comprehensive ban on all types of firecrackers within its districts that fall under the National Capital Region (NCR). This measure, which includes green crackers, aims to combat severe air pollution concerns that typically worsen during winter months in the Delhi-NCR region.
Year-Round Prohibition in NCR Areas
The prohibition is not limited to Diwali; it is a year-round ban on the manufacture, storage, sale (including online delivery), and bursting of all firecrackers in Haryana’s NCR districts. Key areas affected by this directive include Gurugram and Faridabad. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has instructed local authorities to ensure strict adherence to these rules.
Enforcement and Online Sales
To prevent circumvention of the ban, authorities have also directed e-commerce platforms to cease accepting and fulfilling online orders for firecrackers in these restricted districts. Enforcement efforts are already underway; in Gurugram, police have reportedly filed multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) related to illegal firecracker storage and have formed numerous teams to conduct checks.
Rules for Non-NCR Districts
For districts outside the NCR, the regulations are slightly different. While joined firecrackers (laris) are banned, only certified green crackers are permitted. The use of barium salts in any fireworks is also prohibited throughout the year in these non-NCR areas. Even where green crackers are allowed, specific time restrictions apply: on Diwali and other festivals like Gurpurab, they may only be burst between 8 pm and 10 pm.
Addressing Air Pollution Concerns
This initiative comes amidst persistent worries about deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, where firecracker emissions significantly contribute to particulate matter levels. The Supreme Court has previously underscored the necessity of extending firecracker restrictions beyond Delhi, recognizing that a localized ban would be ineffective in addressing the broader regional pollution issue. Officials are urging residents to comply with the regulations and report any violations to local administration or police, as non-compliance can lead to legal action under the Environment (Protection) Act.