The Kangra district administration in Himachal Pradesh has issued directives permitting only green crackers for sale and use during major festivals, including Diwali, Gurpurb, Christmas, and New Year celebrations. The orders also stipulate specific time windows for bursting firecrackers across the district, aiming to mitigate environmental and public health concerns associated with traditional fireworks.
District Administration Mandates Green Crackers, Sets Bursting Timings
Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa has enforced these regulations under the provisions of Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The administration has directed all urban areas, towns, and gram panchayats within Kangra to ensure strict adherence to the new guidelines. The permissible hours for bursting crackers on Diwali are set between 8 pm and 10 pm. For Gurpurb, citizens can burst crackers from 4 am to 5 am and again from 9 pm to 10 pm. In observance of Christmas on December 25 and 26, and on New Year’s Eve, December 31 and January 1, 2027, the timings are designated from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the sale of firecrackers, both wholesale and retail, will be contingent upon obtaining prior written permission from the respective Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Civil). These sales are to be conducted exclusively in designated open and secure locations. Retailers are mandated to ensure the availability of adequate emergency exits, fire extinguishers, sand buckets, and trained personnel at their shops to manage any potential incidents. Furthermore, all firecrackers must be kept in their original packaging, and activities such as smoking, open flames, and the use of unsafe electrical fittings are strictly prohibited in and around the sales premises. A minimum distance of three metres is to be maintained between individual cracker shops to enhance safety.
The administration has also prohibited the bursting of firecrackers in sensitive areas. This includes markets, government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, silence zones, and around heritage buildings and protected monuments. The objective is to prevent potential damage, disruption, and noise pollution in these critical zones.
All Sub-Divisional Magistrates have been tasked with conducting inspections of cracker shops within their jurisdictions. They are empowered to take action against any instances of unauthorised sales or other violations of the stipulated regulations. Similarly, municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats have been instructed to implement scientific methods for the disposal of waste generated from fireworks, ensuring environmental cleanliness.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed all SDMs, Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), Executive Magistrates, and police station in-charges to ensure the rigorous enforcement of these orders. Any violations will be subject to legal action. These directives are to remain in effect until January 1, 2027. The administration has appealed to the public to celebrate the upcoming festivals responsibly by strictly following the prescribed timings and safety norms, with a mindful consideration for environmental protection and public health.
The implementation of these measures aims to balance the celebratory spirit of the festivals with the urgent need to address environmental pollution and ensure public safety. Green crackers are designed to reduce the emission of harmful substances and noise levels compared to conventional fireworks. This policy aligns with broader national efforts to promote sustainable and safer festive celebrations, particularly in light of increasing concerns over air quality during festive periods.
The District Magistrate’s office has been actively coordinating with local authorities and fire safety services to ensure that the guidelines are effectively communicated to traders and the public. Awareness campaigns are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks to educate residents about the new regulations and the importance of adhering to them. The administration is committed to ensuring that the festivities are celebrated with joy and without compromising the well-being of the community or the environment. The focus on designated sale points and inspections is intended to prevent the circulation of illegal or substandard firecrackers, which often pose the greatest risks.
Historical context suggests that festival celebrations, while culturally significant, have often led to marked increases in air and noise pollution. The decision in Kangra reflects a growing trend among local administrations across India to introduce stricter norms for firecracker usage. The emphasis on ‘green crackers’ is a step towards encouraging manufacturers and consumers to adopt more environmentally friendly alternatives, thereby reducing the ecological footprint of celebrations. The specified timings are also designed to minimise disturbance to residents, particularly during early morning hours and late at night.
The collaborative effort between the district administration, police, municipal bodies, and local communities is crucial for the successful implementation of these regulations. The administration anticipates full cooperation from the public in observing the new guidelines, promoting a safer and healthier festive season for everyone in Kangra district.
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