In a significant move to curb noise and air pollution, the Ahmedabad city police have imposed strict time limits for bursting firecrackers during the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. The order, issued by Police Commissioner G S Malik, allows residents a narrow window of only 35 minutes on each occasion.
Strict 35-Minute Windows for Festivities
The official notification, released under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 and relevant sections of the Gujarat Police Act, specifies the exact timings. For Christmas Eve, firecrackers will be permitted solely between 11:55 PM on December 24 and 12:30 AM on December 25. Similarly, for New Year's Eve, the activity is confined to the period from 11:55 PM on December 31 to 12:30 AM on January 1. Any bursting of crackers outside these designated time slots is strictly prohibited.
Only Green Crackers Permitted; Bans on Sales and Composition
The commissioner's directive mandates that only green crackers approved by the Supreme Court and authorized agencies can be manufactured, sold, and used. A complete ban is in place on all other types, including high-decibel varieties and joint or series crackers, citing their detrimental effects on public health and the environment.
Firecracker sales are restricted to licensed traders, with a total prohibition on online sales via e-commerce platforms. The use of barium in manufacturing is also banned. Only crackers authorized by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) with clear markings and within permissible sound limits are allowed in the market.
Silent Zones and Prohibited Areas
The order outlines extensive no-firecracker zones to ensure safety and peace. Bursting crackers is strictly banned within a 100-meter radius of hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions, courts, and religious places, all declared as silent zones.
Additionally, the prohibition extends to markets, narrow lanes, public roads, areas near petrol pumps, LPG installations, warehouses storing inflammable materials, and the vicinity of the airport. The police have also imposed a complete ban on sky lanterns.
These comprehensive restrictions will be enforced across Ahmedabad from December 24 to January 2. Authorities have warned that violators will face legal action under the BNSS and the Gujarat Police Act. The move aligns with directives from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal, aiming to balance festive traditions with environmental responsibility and public safety.
