The Gurugram district administration has issued orders to ban the storage, sale, and use of firecrackers except for ‘green firecrackers’ ahead of Diwali.

The orders will come into force in Gurugram district on November 1, 2023, and will remain effective until January 31, 2024.

“According to the instructions of the Supreme Court, only green firecrackers which cause less pollution can be sold through licensed traders in Gurugram district. The production, sale and use of other firecrackers and sticks has been completely banned as they cause excessive air and noise pollution and also cause solid waste related problems,” the order said.

“The green firecrackers will be allowed to be burst only from 8 pm to 10 pm on the festival of Diwali and from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on the occasion of Christmas and New Year,” it added.

As per the order, e-commerce companies such as Amazon and Flipkart have also been prohibited from accepting any online order for firecrackers.

The orders have been issued by the DM under the Explosive Substances Act 1884 and the Explosive Substances Rules 2008 regarding the production, storage, and sale of firecrackers in the district.

Action under sections of the Criminal Procedure Act and Explosive Substances Act 1884 will be taken against those violating the orders, it read.