Thane allows only green firecrackers this Diwali; bursting banned from 10 pm to 6 am

With Diwali preparations under way, the Thane Municipal Corporation has issued guidelines for residents. The civic body has put strict rules in place to curb festival noise and air pollution.

Air quality in Thane is currently in the moderate category. For this reason, only green firecrackers may be sold in the city. Sellers must also follow the rules. Banned firecrackers cannot be sold, and even permitted ones may be sold only at sites designated by the corporation and with the necessary permissions.

Manufacturing, selling and bursting firecrackers that make noise above 125 decibels (AI) are all prohibited.

Under the corporation's guidelines, firecrackers cannot be burst on roads, lanes, footpaths and other public places. The administration has appealed to people to observe safety rules, as well as the prescribed limits on noise and the environment, while bursting firecrackers. The prescribed noise limit must be followed on private premises too. Those bursting firecrackers near their homes or on a private ground are also covered by these rules.

Under the noise pollution control rules, bursting noisy firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am is prohibited. Firecrackers also cannot be burst within 100 metres of hospitals, educational institutions, government offices and courts. These areas have been declared silence zones, so the noise pollution rules must be strictly followed there even during Diwali.

The corporation issued the guidelines in view of the Bombay High Court's orders of September 22 and October 15. The administration said it is trying to put protection of the environment and public health first while celebrating Diwali.

The administration has made clear that a strict stand will be taken against violators. Action can be taken under the noise pollution rules, the Environment Protection Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosives Act. People have also been asked to contact the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board helpline if they see rules being broken.

The corporation has begun enforcing the rules to keep this year's Diwali pollution-free and safe. Residents of Thane will need to keep the guidelines in mind before buying and bursting firecrackers. The administration has appealed to people to celebrate Diwali by following the rules.