Tamil Nadu announces fixed timings and guidelines for bursting crackers during Deepavali

The Tamil Nadu government has announced that firecrackers can be burst only between 6am and 7am and 7pm and 8pm during this year’s Deepavali celebrations.

These periods, which have been in effect since 2018 upon the order of the Supreme Court, are intended to reduce the harmful effects of air and noise pollution during the festival.

In an official statement, the government appealed to the public to celebrate a noise-free and smoke-free Deepavali this year. To ensure that the celebrations are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, the government has issued clear guidelines for the public to follow.

Citizens are encouraged to use green crackers, which produce less smoke and noise, and to participate in community firefighting events organized with the permission of district administrations or local charities.

At the same time, the government has advised people to avoid bursting combined or serial firecrackers that create excessive noise and not to light crackers near hospitals, schools, courts or religious places. The use of crackers should also be avoided near huts and fire-prone areas where the risk of accidents is higher.

The statement said that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), in collaboration with various government departments, continues to conduct extensive awareness activities to promote environmentally friendly celebrations.

These initiatives are being implemented with the active support of Departments of School Education, Higher Education, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, District Collectors, Director General of Police, Director Environment and Commissioners of all Municipal Corporations across the State through schools, colleges, eco clubs and National Green Corps units, the statement said.