District Magistrate Komal Mittal has issued orders banning the use of firecrackers in the district on the occasions of Diwali, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakashotsav, Christmas, and New Year. Strict instructions have been issued in the public interest under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Act (BNS). He stated that firecrackers will be burst only in accordance with the detailed instructions issued by the Punjab Government’s Science, Technology, and Environment Department on September 18.
During festivals, traders try to buy, sell, and stock firecrackers, so it is essential to ensure compliance with the rules. The instructions prohibit the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and use of serial firecrackers. Only green firecrackers that do not contain chemicals such as barium salts, antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic, lead, or strontium chromate are permitted for sale and use. Furthermore, only licensed vendors will be able to sell approved firecrackers. Fireworks will be allowed only on Diwali (October 20) from 8 pm to 10 pm, on the occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakashotsav (November 5) from 4 am to 5 am and from 9 pm to 10 pm, on Christmas (December 25 and 26) from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am, and on New Year (December 31-January 1) from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.
Only Green Fireworks Allowed
The District Magistrate stated that community firework displays will be encouraged, and specific areas will be identified in advance. Online sale of firecrackers through e-commerce websites (such as Flipkart, Amazon, etc.) will remain prohibited. The police and pollution department will ensure strict compliance with the guidelines. Green firecrackers will only be burst at approved times and locations. Air quality will be monitored in accordance with the guidelines of the Punjab Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board.
Directives until January 2, 2026
Fair action will be taken under the Explosives Rules 2008 of the Department of Industry and Commerce. Special precautions will be taken to protect air quality. Orders of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal will be fully complied with. The Deputy Commissioner stated that those violating these directives will face immediate punitive action under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. In addition, strict action will also be taken under relevant sections of the Environment (Protection) Act. These orders will be in effect from October 1 to January 2, 2026.
