Only certified green firecrackers permitted on November 7 and 8 during designated hours; restrictions imposed on sales, storage and use to control air pollution.
Jaipur, November 3, 2026: The Rajasthan Government has issued comprehensive guidelines to regulate the manufacture, sale, storage and use of firecrackers during Diwali 2026 in districts falling under the National Capital Region (NCR). The measures aim to reduce air pollution, protect public health and promote environmentally responsible celebrations.
The Environment and Climate Change Department has introduced strict restrictions across six NCR districts of Rajasthan: Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Deeg, Khairthal-Tijara and Kotputli-Behror.
Under the guidelines, only certified green firecrackers will be permitted during specified hours on November 7 and 8, 2026. The government has also prohibited firecracker use near hospitals and educational institutions, restricted unauthorized sales and directed authorities to take strict action against violations.
Green Firecrackers Allowed Only on November 7 and 8
Environment and Climate Change Secretary Shailja Deval stated that only green firecrackers certified by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) will be permitted in Rajasthan's NCR districts.
All conventional and non-approved firecrackers will remain prohibited.
The government has designated two time slots for using certified green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, 2026.
| Date | Permitted timings |
|---|---|
| November 7, 2026 | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| November 8, 2026 | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
The existing complete ban on firecrackers will remain effective until November 6, 2026. Following the two-day relaxation, the complete ban will be reinstated from November 9, 2026.
Firecracker use outside the designated hours will not be permitted, even during the relaxation period.
Firecrackers Prohibited Within 300 Metres of Hospitals and Schools
To safeguard public health and minimize noise pollution, the government has designated several sensitive locations as silence zones.
Firecrackers will be strictly prohibited within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and educational institutions.
The restriction will remain applicable even during the permitted firecracker timings.
Government departments and enforcement agencies have been instructed not to grant exceptions for firecracker use in restricted areas or outside the prescribed hours.
QR Codes Mandatory for Green Firecracker Sales
The Rajasthan Government has introduced strict verification requirements to prevent the sale of unauthorized and potentially harmful firecrackers.
Only certified green firecrackers carrying a valid, product-specific QR code will be eligible for sale. Each firecracker package must display the required QR code to establish product authenticity and regulatory compliance.
The QR code must provide access to essential information, including:
Manufacturer details and CSIR-NEERI certification
Licences issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the District Magistrate
Product composition and manufacturing-related certificates
Relevant authorization and compliance information
Any tampering with QR codes or manipulation of certification details will be treated as a serious violation.
The government has also prohibited the sale of firecrackers through online platforms. Sales will be permitted only at designated and authorized retail outlets.
Ban on Firecracker Chains and Barium-Based Products
The guidelines impose a complete prohibition on the manufacture and sale of joined firecrackers, commonly known as laris or firecracker chains.
Firecrackers containing barium and products not approved by CSIR-NEERI as green firecrackers will also remain prohibited.
Manufacturers and traders must meet the prescribed eligibility requirements and possess valid licences to manufacture or sell approved green firecrackers.
These restrictions are intended to prevent unauthorized products from entering the market and reduce pollution during the festive period.
Special Patrol Teams to Monitor Illegal Firecracker Activities
District Collectors, Superintendents of Police and other administrative authorities have been directed to strengthen enforcement across Rajasthan's NCR districts.
Special patrol teams comprising police officers and other personnel will be deployed to monitor the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of firecrackers.
Authorities will also inspect vehicles entering the Delhi-NCR region to prevent the movement of prohibited and conventional firecrackers.
Regular inspections will be conducted at authorized retail outlets, storage facilities and other sensitive locations.
During these inspections, enforcement teams will verify whether the firecrackers being sold are CSIR-NEERI certified, whether their QR codes are authentic and whether storage and sales comply with the prescribed regulations.
Unauthorized firecrackers may be seized, and legal action will be initiated against those found violating the guidelines.
Government Departments Assigned Enforcement Responsibilities
To ensure effective implementation of the restrictions and compliance with Supreme Court directions, the Rajasthan Government has assigned responsibilities to multiple departments and agencies.
These include the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB), Local Self Government Department, Urban Development Department, Information and Public Relations Department, Education Department, and Information Technology and Communication Department.
All concerned departments have been instructed to coordinate their activities, strengthen public awareness and ensure compliance with the prescribed regulations.
Daily Air Quality Monitoring During Diwali
The government has also directed authorities to closely monitor air quality during and after the Diwali celebrations.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) and concerned district offices in the NCR region will undertake regular air quality monitoring and prepare daily reports.
The monitoring system will help authorities assess changes in pollution levels, identify emerging environmental concerns and implement additional pollution-control measures wherever necessary.
The initiative is intended to provide a coordinated response to seasonal air pollution and its potential impact on public health.
Strict Legal Action Against Violations
The Rajasthan Government has warned that individuals, groups, manufacturers and traders violating the guidelines will face legal action in accordance with applicable Supreme Court directions.
Action may also be initiated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the rules framed under it.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with restrictions on firecracker manufacturing, transportation, storage, sale and use.
Promoting a Cleaner and Safer Diwali in Rajasthan
The latest guidelines reflect the Rajasthan Government's efforts to balance festive celebrations with environmental protection and public health.
By restricting firecracker use to certified green products during designated hours, strengthening sales verification and introducing regular air quality monitoring, the government aims to minimize pollution across its NCR districts.
Residents of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Deeg, Khairthal-Tijara and Kotputli-Behror are advised to follow the prescribed timings, purchase only authorized green firecrackers and avoid using firecrackers in designated silence zones.
The government has emphasized that public cooperation and strict enforcement will be essential to ensuring a cleaner, safer and more environmentally responsible Diwali 2026.
