MPCB: Firecracker ban on public roads applies all year, says Bombay High Court order

Nagpur: To keep air and noise pollution from firecrackers in check, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a public notice informing people of the Bombay High Court's directions. According to the court's order, the ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads and other designated places will apply throughout the year and during all festivals.

On October 15, 2026, the High Court directed that its earlier order of September 22 will apply throughout the year and at all festivals. Under it, firecrackers may not be burst on public roads, lanes, paths and footpaths. Firecrackers are also completely banned in silence zones around hospitals, government offices, courts and schools.

The court has also asked for a ban on the use of laser lights, very high-intensity lights and high-intensity beams at festivals and processions.

The police and the authorities concerned have been asked to monitor noise pollution. Action must be taken against those who run sound systems without permission or in violation of the rules. Organisers will have to follow the prescribed noise limits and the conditions of their permission.

The MPCB notice also refers to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, under which bursting noisy firecrackers is prohibited from 10 pm to 6 am. The board has appealed to people to prefer green firecrackers, which make less noise and cause less air pollution, and to follow the rules in force.

The MPCB has warned that violations of the court's directions and the rules can invite action under the applicable laws. These may include provisions of the noise pollution rules, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Explosives Act, 1884.

Smoke and fine particles from firecrackers add to air pollution. The effect can be especially severe on children, the elderly and people with breathing or heart problems.

The High Court has directed the state government, civic bodies and the MPCB to spread this information. Awareness messages will be run through schools, the media, social media, public announcements, and in buses and trains. The MPCB has also mentioned the Maha Paryavaran app for environment-related complaints.

One important point has been clarified. The order concerns the ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads, lanes, footpaths and in silence zones. It should not be read as a complete ban on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers across Maharashtra.