West Bengal authorities have announced a comprehensive regulatory framework to curb air and noise pollution during the upcoming Kali Puja and Diwali festivities. Environment Minister Manoj Oraon confirmed on Friday that the state will implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of firecrackers outside of strictly prescribed time windows.
To ensure public safety and environmental compliance, the government will deploy round-the-clock mobile monitoring teams across the state. These teams will be supported by a dedicated 24-hour control room tasked with tracking violations and responding to public grievances. Mr. Oraon emphasized that citizens are encouraged to utilize a newly established helpline number to report any instances of unauthorized firecracker use.
The state’s directive specifies narrow time slots for the use of green firecrackers. For Kali Puja, bursting is permitted exclusively between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Similarly, for the upcoming Chhath Puja, the designated window for celebrations is restricted to the early morning hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
In addition to timing restrictions, the government has moved to regulate the use of sky lanterns, a practice traditionally popular in areas like north Kolkata. Fire services officials have declared that the launching of sky lanterns without prior authorization is strictly prohibited. Families and event organizers seeking to participate in this tradition must now obtain a formal clearance or license from the fire department, a measure intended to prevent potential fire hazards in densely populated urban zones.
The regulatory push also places a sharp focus on protecting vulnerable locations. The government has reiterated that the use of firecrackers and other explosive materials is strictly prohibited within a 100-meter radius of “silence zones,” which include hospitals, schools, and other educational institutions.
To manage the supply chain, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) is coordinating with local law enforcement to maintain strict surveillance over firecracker markets. The objective is to intercept the sale of non-compliant products and prevent the smuggling of illegal fireworks from surrounding districts into Kolkata. Minister Oraon reiterated that only green firecrackers—those certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)—will be permitted for sale and use.
Beyond punitive measures, the administration plans to conduct community-level awareness camps to sensitize the public on the long-term environmental impacts of noise and air pollution. These initiatives are part of a broader, state-led effort to balance cultural traditions with the urgent need for urban air quality management and fire safety.
As the state gears up for the festival, administrative officials remain under clear instructions to enforce these guidelines rigorously. The combination of legislative mandates, real-time surveillance, and public cooperation forms the core of West Bengal’s strategy to mitigate the environmental footprint of the festive season, ensuring that the celebrations do not compromise public health or safety.
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