West Bengal Enforces Strict Festive Firecracker Rules, Bans Unauthorized Sky Lanterns

Ahead of Kali Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, the West Bengal government has implemented strict restrictions on the sale and bursting of fireworks, alongside a complete ban on unauthorized sky lanterns, in accordance with directives from the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court.

The measures were announced at a joint press conference at Nabanna involving senior officials from the Home Department, Environment Department, State Police, Fire Services, and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB).

According to Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh, only WBPCB-certified “green crackers” are permitted this festive season. Firecracker usage is restricted to specific time slots: from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Diwali, and from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM on Chhath Puja.

Noise levels for sound-emitting green crackers have been capped at a maximum of 125 decibels, while light-emitting crackers are limited to 90 decibels. Members of the public can verify the authenticity of green crackers by scanning the QR codes printed on product packaging.

DGP Siddhi Nath Gupta emphasized that flying sky lanterns or air balloons without official permission is strictly prohibited due to severe safety risks and fire hazards recorded in previous years.

To ensure safety, temporary firecracker markets will be restricted to designated open areas identified by local municipal corporations and police. Emergency response teams, including fire engines and ambulances, will be deployed at these sites.

The administration reaffirmed a complete ban on bursting firecrackers within 100 meters of designated silence zones, including hospitals and educational institutions. Special control rooms and police patrols have been deployed across districts to enforce compliance. High-rise residential complexes have also been urged to maintain strict vigilance.

Enforcement drives against illegal fireworks are already underway. Police recently confiscated 110 kg of banned firecrackers from Kolkata’s Burrabazar area, leading to one arrest.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share