Gujarat government bans public firecracker bursting, permits it only between 8 pm and 10 pm

The Gujarat government has announced a comprehensive ban on the public bursting of firecrackers and the import of fireworks from abroad during the upcoming festive season, citing public safety and environmental concerns.

According to the notification, the ban applies to open spaces, public roads, and crowded areas to prevent accidents, noise pollution, and air quality deterioration.

Authorities have also prohibited the import of firecrackers from foreign countries, including China, reiterating that only locally manufactured products that meet safety standards can be sold within the state.

The state’s Home Department has directed local administrations and police units to ensure strict enforcement of the order. Surprise inspections, confiscations, and penalties for violations have been mandated, particularly in urban centres like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot.

Key directives

According to the circular, the order draws upon the Supreme Court’s judgment in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 728/2015, dated October 23, 2018, which issued the following key directives–

• Only green and approved firecrackers that produce lower emissions are permitted for manufacture and sale. All other types of fireworks are strictly prohibited.
• Joint or series firecrackers (Laris) that create high noise levels and contribute significantly to air and solid waste pollution are banned nationwide.
• Sale of firecrackers is allowed only through licensed traders, and only those crackers recognized by the Supreme Court as permissible may be sold.
• E-commerce platforms are prohibited from selling or distributing any type of firecracker online.
• Use of barium in the manufacturing of firecrackers is strictly prohibited.

Only allowed from 8 pm to 10 pm

Firecrackers may only be burst during specific time windows:

Diwali and other festivals: from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Christmas and New Year’s Eve: from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am

Additionally, the Supreme Court, through its order dated October 29, 2021, expressed strong displeasure over violations of its firecracker directives, noting that banned and counterfeit “green crackers” continue to be manufactured and sold, often using fake QR codes on packaging. The Court emphasized that celebrations cannot come at the cost of public health or environmental safety.

District Magistrates and Police Commissioners have been ordered to ensure complete and genuine enforcement of these directions and to submit compliance reports to the Home Department at so-sb2-home@gujarat.gov.in without delay.

Furthermore, the government has attached a copy of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) circular dated October 19, 2020, directing strict action against illegal import and sale of firecrackers, especially those entering from foreign countries.