Kolkata firecracker rules have been tightened for the upcoming Kali Puja, Chhath Puja and Jagaddhatri Puja season, with the West Bengal government permitting only green crackers and enforcing court-mandated time and sound limits. Sky lanterns will also be prohibited unless residents obtain prior permission from the fire services department.
The rules were announced at a joint briefing at Nabanna attended by officials from the home, environment, police, fire services and pollution control departments. Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh said preparations for the festive season were being made in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court.
The permitted window for bursting crackers on Diwali is from 8 pm to 10 pm. For Chhath Puja, crackers may be burst between 6 am and 8 am. The administration has also reiterated the prescribed sound limits: 125 decibels for sound-emitting fireworks and 90 decibels for light-emitting fireworks.
Officials said only authorised green crackers could be used. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board said members of the public would be able to scan the QR code printed on approved green-cracker packets to check their validity. The administration urged residents to purchase only such products and follow the legally prescribed time and sound limits.
Sky lanterns are not included within the green-cracker category and their use will therefore remain prohibited without prior administrative clearance. Additional Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta said the fire services law contained specific requirements for such objects. “If anyone wants to fly such balloons, they have to obtain prior permission or a licence from the fire services department. They cannot do it in any other manner,” he said, according to the briefing.
The restrictions are also intended to reduce fire risks during the festival period. Authorities said monitoring would be strengthened at fireworks markets and locations where crackers are manufactured or stored. Officials have directed that such markets be located away from residential areas, with adequate space between individual shops.
Police and enforcement agencies warned that illegal sale, storage, transport or use of fireworks, excessive noise and other violations could lead to the seizure of products and arrest of those responsible. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda also attended the briefing and warned against violations.
The administration has asked residents to maintain silence zones within 100 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, old-age homes and educational institutions. Residents of high-rise housing complexes have also been urged to exercise caution while bursting crackers and to ensure that festive activity does not create fire or safety risks for other occupants.
Officials said a dedicated control-room number would be announced for complaints related to illegal firecracker sales, excessive noise and other violations. Enforcement will cover the production, storage, transportation, sale and use of fireworks during the festival season.
