Considering the level of air pollution in the upcoming festive season, many states and Union Territories have banned firecrackers to keep the pollution level under control. The bursting and sale of firecrackers have always been a matter of discussion, especially in the Diwali season. Some people feel that the usage of firecrackers during the current COVID-19 pandemic situation is not favorable.

Many believe that bursting crackers can further worsen the air pollution quotient of the metropolitan cities with a larger population.

Keeping these reasons in mind, Some of the states have completely banned the use, manufacture, and sale of firecrackers, while some other states have allowed the use of green crackers during Diwali and New Year.

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Here’s a list of the states that have prohibited the usage of firecrackers for Diwali 2021:

Delhi

On September 29, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) imposed a ban on the bursting and sale of crackers in the national capital till January 1, 2022. In its official statement, it wrote that keeping in view the need in the public interest to curb high air pollution in Delhi, a “complete ban” has been imposed on firecrackers. Earlier, on September 15, CM Arvind Kejriwal had announced a ban on firecrackers saying it was ‘essential to save lives.

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Odisha

Odisha government has banned the sale and bursting of firecrackers for this festival season. The government’s official order read, “To protect the health of general public and to curb the spread of infection, sale, and use of firecrackers shall remain prohibited during this festive month.”

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Rajasthan

The sale and usage of firecrackers have been banned by the Rajasthan government since October 1 this year. The state government has further allowed the usage and sale of green crackers for two hours across the state on the occasion of Diwali. A heavy fine will be imposed on violations of rules.

Punjab

The Punjab government announced a ban on the storage, distribution, sale, usage, and manufacturing of the joined firecrackers across the state. The bursting of green crackers has been permitted by the government from 8 to 10 pm on Diwali and Gurupurab. The state administration imposed a complete ban in Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh considering poor air quality index (AQI) levels.

West Bengal

The sale and usage of firecrackers have been banned in West Bengal. The citizens are permitted to burst green crackers for two hours on Diwali from 8 to 10 pm and on Chhath Puja from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh government issued guidelines to officials to strictly implement the National Green Tribunal’s orders regarding the use of firecrackers. The state government said that the firecrackers can be burst during Diwali and Guruparva from 8 pm to 10 pm; from 6 am to 8 am on Chhath Puja, and from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on New Year and Christmas.

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Bihar

On October 24, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board banned the sale and the use of crackers in fours districts such as Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Vaishali. Use of green or eco-friendly crackers is permitted in the rest of the state on Diwali.

Uttar Pradesh

The Agra administration has put a complete ban on the use and sale of firecrackers in the district. The Agra administration clarified that no license would be issued and no shops allocated this year for the sale of crackers.