All you need to know about the rules on fireworks and green crackers this year

What are Green crackers?

In view of the coronavirus (COVID-19) related situation and concerns surrounding the rising level of pollution due to firecrackers during the festive season, spanning over October to December many states have imposed certain rules on fireworks this year, such as- a complete or a partial ban on firecracker sales, and permitting the sale of ‘green crackers’ instead.

Here are the mandates imposed in states across India over the use of firecrackers during the ongoing festive season, but before that, let's talk about what are green crackers?

What are Green Crackers?

Green crackers are low-emission fireworks that were permitted by the Supreme Court to be used during festivals, relaxing the ‘complete ban’ on fireworks previously imposed in 2017. Green crackers too use polluting chemicals, but the quantity is reduced, which in turn lowers the emission by about 30 percent from regular crackers.

This year many states like Delhi, Rajasthan, and others are practising extra caution in the wake of the impact crackers might have on one’s health with the Covid virus still looming large. Here is what directives on crackers issued by different states say:

Rajasthan

The Rajasthan government has reversed its earlier decision to ban the sale and use of crackers in the state, In a revised advisory it thus noted that “only” the green crackers would be allowed. The government also issued the restricted timing for bursting of crackers from 8pm to 10pm during festivals like Diwali and Guruparb, from 6am to 8am on Chhath puja, and from 11:55pm to 12:30am on Christmas and New Year. But the use of crackers would continue to be banned at places having an air quality index in the “poor” zone or below.

Delhi

The AAP government has imposed a complete ban on the storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers till January 1, 2022.The decision was taken after taking stock of the pollution levels in Delhi during the festival over the last three years.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has spoken in favour of using firecrackers. In a letter to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Stalin had requested to lift the ban and allow the sale of firecrackers that fall within the norms set by the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal.

Uttar Pradesh

The UP government had banned the sale and use of firecrackers in 13 cities across the state in 2020 and has made no such announcement for this year so far.

Haryana

Haryana government earlier this month imposed a complete ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in 14 districts. The ban is in view of the deteriorating air quality that the region witnesses during this time of the year, which is compounded by the bursting of crackers and stubble burning in nearby districts.

Odisha

While announcing its Covid-19 guidelines for October, the Odisha government had prohibited the use and sale of fireworks in the state during the month, which will remain in force from October 1 to November 1. It had also banned their sale and use during Diwali last year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.