West Bengal has announced five-tier monitoring of firecrackers covering production, storage, transport, sale and use, with officials warning of strict action against illegal manufacturing and trading ahead of Diwali and Chhath Puja. The state government also reiterated court-mandated time limits for fireworks and urged residents to use only approved green crackers.
Speaking at a press conference at Nabanna, state Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh said fireworks may be burst only between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali, and between 6 am and 8 am on Chhath Puja. Fireworks outside these time windows will invite action under the law, she said. State police director general Siddhanath Gupta, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand and officials from the fire and environment departments were also present.
The administration said the monitoring plan would cover every stage of the firecracker supply chain. Inspections will be conducted at manufacturing units, storage locations and sales centres, while police patrols will be increased during the festival period. The police said complaints about illegal production, sale or violations could lead to seizure of fireworks and arrests.
Officials also issued limits for sound emissions. The maximum permitted sound level for sound-emitting fireworks was stated to be 125 decibels, while fireworks categorised as light-emitting crackers must remain within 90 decibels. The government appealed to residents to purchase only approved green crackers, which it said use fewer harmful chemicals and produce comparatively lower levels of fine particulate emissions.
The state has asked residents not to burst fireworks within 100 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, schools and old-age homes. Puja committees, housing complexes and citizens have been asked to help maintain these quiet zones. The Home Secretary said air and noise pollution can affect not only people bursting fireworks but also family members, particularly children, older people and those who are unwell.
Firecracker markets will be coordinated jointly by municipalities, the police and the fire department. The administration said markets should be located away from residential areas, shops should maintain adequate spacing, and fire-safety equipment and ambulances should be available. The arrangements are intended to reduce the risk of fires and accidents in crowded urban locations.
The police also cautioned against flying sky lanterns or hot-air balloons without the required permissions or licences. The director general said rules governing these activities would be enforced strictly to prevent accidents. Control-room numbers for the police and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board are expected to be released shortly for complaints and reporting violations.
The administration said enforcement would not be limited to short campaigns immediately before the festivals. However, with Diwali and Chhath Puja approaching, its immediate priorities are public awareness and intensified monitoring. Officials urged residents to follow the court-mandated timings and safety rules while celebrating the festivals.
