State Government Restricts Firecracker Use, Mandates Green Crackers for Diwali, Christmas, and New Year Celebrations

In an effort to curb air pollution during festive celebrations, the state government has issued an order restricting the use of firecrackers during Diwali, Christmas, and New Year festivities. According to the order, only green firecrackers, designed to produce less air pollution, are permitted for use during these celebrations.

The government has specified specific time frames for the bursting of firecrackers. During Diwali celebrations, green crackers can only be burst between 8 pm and 10 pm. For Christmas and New Year celebrations, fireworks are allowed between 11:55 pm and 12:30 am.

To enforce these regulations, the State Pollution Control Board is tasked with implementing measures to reduce air pollution resulting from firecracker use. District collectors and district police chiefs have been directed to ensure strict adherence to the rules outlined in the government order.

Green crackers are manufactured using chemicals that minimize air pollution, and only a limited number of centers produce these environmentally friendly fireworks. Notably, most firecrackers sold in Kerala are manufactured in Tamil Nadu.