Limited window for Chhath and Guru Parv celebrations
Mail News Service
Ranchi /Jamshedpur, Oct 16: The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) has issued detailed guidelines restricting the use of firecrackers during upcoming festivals, including Diwali, Chhath, and Guru Parv.
In adherence to the directives of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the board has set specific time slots for fireworks to control air and noise pollution across the state.
According to the official notification, bursting of firecrackers on Diwali will be permitted only between 8 pm and 10 pm.
Similarly, during Chhath Puja, fireworks can be used from 6 am to 8 am, while on Guru Parv, the permissible window is 8 pm to 10 pm.
For Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the state has allowed fireworks for just 35 minutes, from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.
The state pollution watchdog has further clarified that only firecrackers producing sound levels below 125 decibels will be allowed for sale and use in cities where the air quality index (AQI) remains in the “Good” or “Satisfactory” category.
High-decibel or illegal fireworks are strictly prohibited, and violations will invite strict action under Section 188 of the IPC and provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
To regulate sales, all district administrations have been instructed to identify designated open areas (clusters) in urban zones for setting up firecracker shops.
Vendors will be allowed to sell only from these approved clusters and must obtain valid licenses before commencing business.
In Ranchi, the district administration has already marked four to five such clusters for retail firecracker outlets.
The pollution control board has emphasized that these measures aim to ensure festive celebrations remain joyful without compromising public health and environmental safety
