In Shimla For Diwali? You Can Burst Only Green Crackers, And For Just 2 Hours — Check Designated Time

Shimla Diwali 2024: Firecrackers will be allowed in Shimla for only two hours on Diwali night. Action will be taken against those who violate the rules.

File photo of students making 'rangoli' during Diwali celebrations, on Mall Road in Shimla in November 2023.

Source : PTI

Shimla Diwali 2024: As Shimla prepares to celebrate Diwali on October 31, festive shopping in full swing, with people gathering in large numbers to purchase decorations and other essentials. The Shimla district administration has, however, implemented strict guidelines for firecracker use, prioritising eco-friendly options. In the hill capital, only green firecrackers are permitted for sale and use, with specific timing restrictions in place.

Green Crackers Only In Shimla, Regulations Aligned with SC Guidelines

Shimla District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap has issued formal directives stipulating that only green crackers are allowed to be sold and used within Shimla. The time window for lighting these crackers is limited to two hours, from 8 pm to 10 pm, on the night of Diwali. According to the district administration, legal action will be taken against individuals found violating these rules.

The restrictions stem from the need to control air pollution, particularly in areas where air quality ranges from moderate to lower levels. DM Kashyap clarified that the Supreme Court’s 2019 directive serves as the basis for these orders, which restrict the sale and use of firecrackers to green crackers only. This policy applies not only to Diwali but also to other major festivals such as Chhath, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas Eve.

On Diwali night, the regulation limits cracker usage to the designated two-hour period.

Shimla Police To Monitor Compliance

The Shimla Police will be actively involved in enforcing these rules, ensuring that the guidelines are adhered to across the district. Violators will face legal consequences under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, alongside additional measures under Section 223 of the BNS-2023. The Shimla district police superintendent and all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) have been directed to closely monitor compliance. Station house officers (SHOs) in all local police stations will ensure that residents follow the specified 8 pm to 10 pm window for firecracker use.