West Bengal has announced a five-stage monitoring system for firecrackers ahead of Diwali and Chhath Puja, with enforcement covering manufacture, storage, transport, sale and use. The state government also warned of legal action against illegal firecracker businesses and said the court-mandated time limits for bursting crackers would be strictly enforced.
State Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh announced the measures at a press conference at Nabanna on Thursday in the presence of Director General of Police Siddhanath Gupta, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand and officials from the fire services and environment departments.
Under the rules cited by the state, firecrackers may be burst only between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali. On Chhath Puja, the permitted window is 6 am to 8 am. The Home Secretary said firecrackers used outside these time periods would invite action under the law and that the administration would not show leniency in enforcing the court’s directions.
The state has also urged residents to use only approved green firecrackers. Officials said such firecrackers contain comparatively fewer harmful chemicals and generate lower emissions of fine particulate matter than other varieties. The administration linked the appeal to concerns over both air and noise pollution, particularly for children, older people and those who are unwell.
The government has set a maximum sound limit of 125 decibels for sound-emitting firecrackers, while the sound level for light-based firecrackers must remain within 90 decibels, according to the announcement. Residents have also been asked not to burst firecrackers within 100 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, schools and old-age homes. Puja committees, housing complexes and individual residents have been asked to help maintain these quiet zones.
The enforcement plan extends beyond the period of use. Municipal bodies, police and fire services will work together to improve safety at firecracker markets. The administration said markets should be located away from densely populated areas, shops should maintain adequate spacing, and fire-fighting equipment and ambulances should be arranged. Inspections will be conducted at manufacturing units, storage locations and sales centres, while police patrols will be increased during the festival period.
The Director General of Police said authorities would examine compliance at each of the five stages identified by the government. Where illegal manufacture or sale is detected, or where regulations are violated, officials may seize firecrackers and make arrests. Police and State Pollution Control Board control-room numbers for complaints are expected to be released shortly.
The police also warned that hot-air balloons and sky lanterns cannot be flown without the required permission or licence. Officials said the relevant rules would be enforced to reduce the risk of accidents. The administration added that short campaigns immediately before festivals would not be enough to stop illegal firecracker activity, but said that awareness efforts and intensified monitoring would be the immediate priorities before Diwali and Chhath Puja.
