Mohali admn imposes strict firecracker curbs; E‑commerce portals prohibited from accepting online orders

The Mohali administration has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNNS, restricting the use, sale and storage of fireworks in Mohali district during upcoming festivals including Diwali, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab, Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The permissible time for bursting fire crackers in Mohali district on Diwali is from 8pm to 10pm; Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab (November 5) is from 4am to 5am and 9pm to 10pm; Christmas (December 25 and 26): from 11.55pm to 12.30am; New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026): from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am.

The orders have been issued in compliance with the directions of the Department of Science, Technology & Environment (STE Branch), Government of Punjab, vide instructions dated September 18.

District Magistrate Komal Mittal said, “The manufacture, stocking, distribution, sale and use of series/chain fireworks (laris) is strictly prohibited throughout the state. Only green crackers, which do not contain barium salts, antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic, lead, or strontium chromate, will be permitted for sale and use. Only licensed traders are authorised to sell approved green crackers.

E-commerce websites including Flipkart, Amazon, etc., are prohibited from accepting or fulfilling online orders for sale of firecrackers within the jurisdiction of Mohali.

The Police Department and Pollution Control Department shall ensure strict compliance with these directives. The Punjab Pollution Control Board will conduct short-term ambient air quality monitoring in selected towns of the district as per the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board.

Additional caution will be exercised in non-attainment cities considering their ambient air quality levels. All actions will be in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The prohibitory orders further read that any violation of these directions shall invite immediate penal action under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, besides action under relevant provisions of BNNS and other applicable laws. The orders shall remain in force from October 1, 2025, to January 2, 2026.