THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – In a significant move to control environmental pollution, the Kerala State Home Department has issued an order strictly mandating the sale and use of only ‘green crackers’ during upcoming celebrations, including Diwali. The directive is based on recommendations from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and in line with orders passed by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The new rules impose a mandatory two-hour time limit for bursting firecrackers on Diwali. Citizens are permitted to use ‘green crackers’ only between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Furthermore, the government order enforces a complete ban on bursting noise-making crackers within a 100-meter radius of designated ‘silent zones’. These restricted areas include hospitals, courts, educational institutions, and places of worship.
The directive, which aims to mitigate air and noise pollution, makes it clear that district magistrates and police chiefs will be responsible for ensuring the strict compliance of these regulations across the state.
Green crackers, developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), are formulated to significantly reduce particulate matter and harmful chemical emissions compared to conventional fireworks. The restriction is a part of broader efforts to maintain the state’s ambient air quality within acceptable limits during the festive season.
