According to the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB), a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issued for all districts. It mandates that only green crackers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) may be used in areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) was moderate or below in November 2021.
Use of firecrackers will be permitted only between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and completely banned in cities where the AQI was poor or above during the same reference period.
Additional district magistrate (ADM) Roshan Rai said that all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) have been instructed to enforce the directives and initiate penal action against those violating court or environmental orders. The ADM has also directed officials to monitor cracker sales and ensure compliance at manufacturing and distribution points.
Cracker bursting will remain prohibited within 100 metres of hospitals, schools, religious places, and other silence zones. Police and district officials have been asked to ensure that these areas remain cracker-free throughout the festival.
The administration clarified that green crackers can be identified by a special logo printed on packaging, and a list of licensed manufacturers is available on NEERI’s official website. The approved types of green crackers include sparklers (phuljhadis), flowerpots (anars), and maroons. Crackers containing barium salts or toxic chemicals and series crackers (ladis) are strictly prohibited.
The permissible sound limit of firecrackers has been capped at 125 decibels (dB(A)) when measured from a distance of 4 metres. Moreover, the online sale of firecrackers through platforms such as Amazon or Flipkart is not allowed.
As per the Supreme Court and NGT orders, the Central and State Pollution Control Boards will conduct ambient air quality monitoring for 14 days, seven days before and seven days after Diwali. Parameters will include levels of aluminium, barium, and iron, along with routine pollutants.
Officials have also warned that post-firecracker waste, such as paper debris and half-burnt powder, poses risks to children, animals, and water sources. Citizens are urged not to dump such waste near natural water bodies or drinking water points.
The Municipal Corporation and local bodies have been instructed to ensure separate collection and safe disposal of cracker residue after the festival. Residents have been asked to collect debris separately and hand it over to sanitation workers for proper disposal.
Police issue safety guidelines for firecracker sellers
The police have directed that all sellers ensure the following:
- Vendors must be over 18 years of age, with no criminal record, and submit valid identity and address proof.
- Shops must be located in approved open areas, not inside permanent buildings or residential complexes.
- Minimum distance of 50 metres must be maintained from petrol pumps, LPG godowns, chemical stores, and schools, hospitals, and religious sites.
- No more than 50 shops are permitted in one designated area, and three-metre spacing must be maintained between shops.
- Shops must use fire-resistant materials, keep sand buckets, water, and functional fire extinguishers, and display “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs prominently.
- Storage must not exceed 50 kg of fireworks at a time, and testing or lighting crackers near stalls is strictly prohibited.
- Vendors must be trained in basic fire safety and ensure unobstructed access for fire tenders and public movement.
DCP Kumar Prateek inspected cracker markets in Pardesipura, Vijay Nagar, and MIG police station areas, briefing traders and organizers on fire safety protocols, parking arrangements, and CCTV coverage.
