Pune Police issues guidelines for selling & bursting firecrackers during Diwali

By: Pune Pulse

October 26, 2023

Pune: Every year, on the occasion of Diwali, temporary licenses are issued to sell firecrackers. In order to avoid any danger or accident while selling firecrackers and bursting firecrackers, the following provisions have been issued by the police.

As per further information from a press release by Pune Police,

Under the Maharashtra Arms Act (154) (3), restrictions have been imposed by the government on the possession and sale of firecrackers known as double-wrapped atom bombs measuring 5.715 cm in length and 3.175 cm in diameter weighing 42.534 grams wrapped in paper.

· Fireworks licenses will be issued from 1/11/2023 to 16/11/2023. Firecrackers or decorative liquor cannot be sold after the expiry of the period. Also, the remaining crackers or stock must be returned to the licensed godown or wholesale license holder.

· It is prohibited to throw, release, or set off firecrackers, fire balloons or fire arrows on any road or within 10 meters of roads within the precincts of the Police Commissionerate as per the provisions of sub-section 33U of the Mumbai Police Act, 1951. Sub-section 2 of clause 15 includes any highway/bridge/road route, bridge arch, ghat, causeway or any lane or path whether or not for traffic. Any person who contravenes this order shall be liable to legal action under the above Act (Section 131 (a) with (i)).

· The Supreme Court passed an internal order during the hearing on Dussehra, Diwali, and other festivals to prevent possible harmful effects of noise and air pollution on the public due to the bursting of such firecrackers.

· Prohibition is imposed on the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers producing 125 decibels within 4 meters from the place where a firecracker is set off.

· In the case of chains of 50 to 100 firecrackers, the noise limit should be 115/110 and 105 decibels respectively up to a distance of 4 meters from the place of fireworks.

The production, sale and use of all chain firecrackers which produce more noise than the said limit and contain more than 100 firecrackers are being banned.

· Complete ban on crackers causing noise pollution from 10.00 pm to 6.00 am. But there are no restrictions on firecrackers which only produce or emit different colors or do not make any noise.

· No firecrackers shall be used within 100 meters of silent zones at any time like hospitals, educational institutions, courts etc.

· The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Association has instructed licensees not to sell firecrackers of foreign origin.

Citizens are requested to be very careful while bursting firecrackers & to strictly follow the above guidelines to avoid any accident or danger.

Shreyas Vange