Ahead of Diwali, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has issued a fresh directive regulating the sale and use of firecrackers within city limits. The order bans sound-emitting firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am, except those that produce only light effects. Additionally, the manufacture, sale, or possession of the highly explosive ‘atom bomb’ crackers has been prohibited.
Strict Control On Sales And Licenses
Temporary licenses for firecracker vendors will be valid only from October 20 to 24, after which unsold stock must be returned to traders with permanent licenses. This move aims to prevent illegal sales and ensure better safety compliance during the festive season.
Noise Limit And Silent Zone Rules
The Pune Police have reinforced noise restrictions under the Maharashtra Arms Rules, setting a maximum permissible noise level of 125 decibels at four metres from the point of bursting. For garland-type crackers (commonly called ladis), the noise limit is 110 decibels for 50–100 crackers and 105 decibels for more than 100 crackers.
Furthermore, firecracker use is strictly banned within 100 metres of silent zones—including hospitals, courts, and educational institutions—and prohibited on public roads and within 10 metres of road edges.
Ban On Foreign-Made Firecrackers
Citing directions from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the Pune Police have also banned the sale and use of imported firecrackers, which often fail to meet Indian safety and environmental standards.
Ensuring A Safe And Peaceful Diwali
The latest order is part of Pune Police’s annual effort to ensure a safe, pollution-free, and noise-controlled Diwali. Citizens are urged to follow these guidelines responsibly, celebrate safely, and avoid actions that disturb public peace or endanger lives.
