Bihar has Prohibited the sale and use of all Fire Crackers in Patna and three other cities.
The Bihar government has announced a ban on the sale and bursting of all types of firecrackers, including so-called green crackers, in Patna and three other cities—Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur. This decision aims to combat air pollution during the Diwali festival, as the state grapples with deteriorating air quality.
The Patna district administration issued a circular detailing the ban, citing a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that seeks to preserve ambient air quality across urban areas. According to the order, the use of firecrackers contributes significantly to air and noise pollution, releasing toxic pollutants and particulates that can lead to severe health issues. These emissions produce dense smoke, which can adversely affect the eyes, throat, lungs, heart, and skin of residents.
While the ban is comprehensive in the aforementioned cities, other regions in Bihar may still allow the use of eco-friendly or green crackers during Diwali. However, no licenses for the sale of firecrackers will be issued in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur to ensure compliance with the NGT’s mandate.
These four cities have been classified as ‘non-attainment cities’ due to their air quality levels exceeding the national ambient air quality standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The move reflects a growing recognition of the need to address air pollution, especially during festivities when firecracker use typically peaks.
