In Tamil Nadu on Deepavali, crackers were allowed for two hours only

The TNPCB has advised members of the public to burst firecrackers at designated common places after obtaining permission from the district administration or local bodies, preferably through local social associations. | Photo credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has appealed to the public to celebrate Deepavali 2026 in an environment-friendly manner by bursting low-noise, less polluting green firecrackers and observing the two-hour window allowed by the state government.

People can burst firecrackers only between 6 am and 7 am and 7 pm and 8 pm on Deepavali, TNPCB said in a statement.

The restriction has been in place since 2018 based on Supreme Court directions dated 23 October 2018 in a public interest litigation to ban the manufacture and sale of firecrackers.

The court ordered manufacturers to use raw materials that would reduce emissions and produce green firecrackers. It also called for public awareness campaigns about air pollution caused by firecrackers and encouraged community celebrations during designated hours.

The TNPCB has warned that firecrackers can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage depending on the intensity of the noise. They also contribute to air, water and soil pollution and affect public health and the environment.

The council advised people to burst firecrackers at designated common places after obtaining permission from the district administration or local bodies, preferably through local social associations. She also urged the public to avoid serial firecracker explosions that generate high noise levels.

Firecrackers should not be set off in quiet zones, including areas around hospitals, schools, courts and places of worship, or near shacks and other fire-prone places, the agency said.

Published – 03 Nov 2026 19:47 IST