Rajasthan Govt: Only Certified Green Crackers in NCR Districts

UdaipurTimes, Nov 4, 2026 - With the objective of preventing air pollution, protecting public health and ensuring environmental conservation during Diwali, the Department of Environment and Climate Change has issued comprehensive guidelines regulating the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers in Rajasthan's districts falling within the National Capital Region (NCR), namely Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Deeg, Khairthal-Tijara and Kotputli-Behror.

Only CSIR-NEERI-Certified Green Firecrackers

Providing further information on the directives, Shailja Deval, Secretary to the Government, Department of Environment and Climate Change, has said that only green firecrackers certified by CSIR-NEERI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) would be permitted in the NCR region. The use of all other types of firecrackers would remain completely prohibited.

Two specific time slots have been prescribed for bursting green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, 2026. The public will be permitted to burst green firecrackers only between 6:00 am and 7:00 am and between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Bursting firecrackers outside these designated time slots will not be permitted.

Furthermore, the complete ban imposed earlier will remain in force until November 6, 2026. Following the two-day relaxation, the complete ban on firecrackers will come into effect again from November 9, 2026.

Silence Zones

Deval informed that, keeping public health and the safety of sensitive institutions in mind, hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district healthcare centres, old-age homes and educational institutions have been declared Silence Zones. Bursting firecrackers within a radius of 300 metres of these institutions will not be permitted.

All State Government departments and agencies have also been directed not to grant permission for bursting firecrackers outside the prescribed time slots or in prohibited areas.

QR Codes Mandatory for Sale

To prevent the illegal sale of firecrackers and the supply of prohibited products, the government has introduced stringent regulations governing their sale. Only green firecrackers bearing product-specific QR codes will be permitted for sale. A relevant QR code must be printed on the packaging of every firecracker product. The QR code must display details relating to:

• The manufacturer.
• NEERI certification.
• PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) approval.
• Licences issued by the District Magistrate.
• Certificates relating to the product's composition and manufacturing.

Any tampering with the QR code or manipulation of its authenticity will be treated as a serious violation.

The sale of firecrackers will be permitted only at designated and authorised shops and sales outlets. Sale through online platforms will remain prohibited.

Additionally, the manufacture and sale of joined firecrackers (series crackers) and firecracker garlands will be completely prohibited.

Firecrackers containing barium, as well as any firecrackers not approved by CSIR-NEERI as green firecrackers, will not be permitted for use.

Strict Provisions Regarding Licences

Stringent provisions have also been prescribed for firecracker manufacturers and traders. Only manufacturers and traders who fulfil the prescribed eligibility criteria and hold valid licences will be permitted to manufacture and sell CSIR-NEERI-certified green firecrackers.

Special Patrol Teams

The District Collectors, Superintendents of Police and concerned administrative officials have been directed to effectively control the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of firecrackers in the NCR region.

Vehicles entering the Delhi-NCR region will be inspected to prevent the movement of illegal and conventional firecrackers. In cases of violations, confiscation and other necessary legal action will be taken in accordance with the applicable rules.

For this purpose, special patrol teams comprising an adequate number of police officers and other personnel will be constituted. These teams will conduct regular inspections of designated sales outlets, shops and other sensitive locations.

During inspections, officials will ensure that:

• Only CSIR-NEERI-certified green firecrackers are being sold.
• The QR codes displayed on the products are valid and authentic.
• The storage and sale of firecrackers comply with the prescribed regulations.

Responsibilities to Departments

The State Government has assigned specific responsibilities to various departments and agencies to ensure effective control of air pollution and proper implementation of the directions issued by the Supreme Court.

The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB), Local Self-Government Department, Urban Development Department, Information and Public Relations Department, Education Department, Department of Information Technology and Communication, along with all other concerned departments, have been directed to establish the necessary coordination and ensure effective implementation of the orders at their respective levels.

AQI Monitoring and Daily Reporting

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), RSPCB and the concerned district offices in the NCR region will regularly monitor air quality and prepare daily reports.

This monitoring mechanism will help assess changes in air quality during and after Diwali and enable the authorities to introduce necessary pollution-control measures as required.

Strict Action on Violations

It is noteworthy that individuals, groups, manufacturers and traders violating the issued guidelines will face necessary action in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court. In addition, action will also be taken under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the rules framed thereunder.

The State Government's objective is to ensure effective and coordinated arrangements to make Diwali more environmentally friendly, control air pollution and safeguard public health.