States » NorthPosted at: Oct 21 2026 9:50PM


Kangra allows only green crackers during Diwali, other major festivals

Ashok Raina
Dharamshala, Oct 21 (UNI) The Kangra district administration has permitted the sale and use of only green crackers during Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas and New Year celebrations, while prescribing specific time slots for bursting fireworks.
Deputy Commissioner and District Disaster Management Authority Chairman Hemraj Bairwa issued an advisory under Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, directing all urban areas, towns and gram panchayats in the district to ensure strict compliance with the restrictions.
According to the order, crackers can be burst on Diwali on November 8 between 8 pm and 10 pm.
On Gurpurab, November 24, fireworks will be permitted from 4 am to 5 am and from 9 pm to 10 pm.
For Christmas on December 25 and 26, and New Year's Eve on December 31 and January 1, 2027, the permitted time will be from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am.
Bairwa clarified that wholesale and retail sales of crackers will be allowed only at designated open and safe locations after obtaining prior written permission from the respective Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Civil).
Firecracker shops must have adequate emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment, buckets of sand and trained personnel.
Fire crackers must be stored in their original packaging, while smoking, open flames and unsafe electrical fittings are prohibited inside or around the shops. A minimum distance of three metres must be maintained between two cracker shops.
The order also prohibits bursting crackers in markets, government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, silence zones, heritage buildings and protected monuments, as well as in their vicinity.
All SDMs have been directed to inspect firecracker shops in their respective jurisdictions and take action against unauthorised sales and other violations.
Municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats have also been instructed to ensure the scientific disposal of waste generated by fireworks.
The Deputy Commissioner has directed SDMs, Deputy Superintendents of Police, executive magistrates and police station in-charges to strictly enforce the order. Violations will invite legal action.
The order will remain in force until January 1, 2027.
Bairwa appealed to residents to adhere to the prescribed timings and safety norms and celebrate the festivals responsibly, keeping environmental protection and public health in mind.
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Tags: #Kangra allows only green crackers during Diwali# other major festivals
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