Nagpur Enforces Firecracker Ban Ahead of Diwali Celebrations

In a significant move to ensure public safety during the Diwali festivities, the Nagpur Police have announced a ban on the use of firecrackers on public roads and the flying of lanterns across the city. This prohibitory order will be in effect from November 6 until midnight on November 14, coinciding with the festival period.

The restrictions were put in place by Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The order emphasizes concerns regarding public safety, potential fire hazards, and environmental impacts associated with fireworks, particularly in light of a Bombay High Court ruling from September 23, 2026, which mandates such measures.

Under this order, bursting firecrackers in public spaces is strictly forbidden, with additional limitations on sales near sensitive locations such as petrol stations, chemical depots, and silence zones. The police have mandated that only green crackers, which adhere to specific emission standards, can be sold by manufacturers and retailers in the city. However, the order lacks detailed enforcement guidelines or clarity on which products must be available for sale.

The ban extends to areas within 200 feet of facilities that store flammable materials, including LPG cylinder godowns and firecracker shops. Furthermore, silence zones, which encompass schools, hospitals, and courts, are designated as areas where firecrackers cannot be used, aiming to minimize noise pollution during the festival.

The prohibition on flying lanterns is absolute, applying citywide without exceptions. This comprehensive approach places responsibility on various stakeholders in the firecracker supply chain while regulating where residents can engage in fireworks activities. The order remains in effect until November 14, but details regarding enforcement measures, penalties, or permission processes during the festival have not been specified.