APPCB Seeks Strict Enforcement of Firecracker Rules for Deepavali
Only certified green crackers are allowed in qualifying cities, as authorities step up enforcement against pollution.
Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has asked district administrations and enforcement agencies to strictly enforce restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers during Deepavali 2026, in line with directions from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.
In a circular signed on October 23 by member secretary S. Srisaravanan, the board said only green crackers certified by CSIR-NEERI would be permitted for sale and bursting in cities and towns where ambient air quality falls in the “Moderate” or better categories.
The directions were addressed to collectors and district magistrates, the police commissioners of Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, superintendents of police, the transport commissioner and municipal commissioners across the state.
The board asked district authorities, police, transport officials and local bodies to form joint enforcement teams to inspect firecracker vendors, prevent illegal sales, control noise and air pollution, and initiate appropriate legal action against violations.
The circular calls for strict enforcement of a ban on the manufacture, sale, transport and bursting of joined firecrackers, also known as series crackers or series of small firecrackers, and crackers containing banned substances such as barium salts.
However, a separate provision in the same circular cites a Supreme Court direction dated September 30, 2026, as permitting joined green crackers, subject to registration of manufacturers holding explosives licences with CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur. The circular does not explain how this provision relates to the stated ban on joined crackers.
Bursting of permitted green crackers must be confined to the hours allowed under applicable regulatory guidelines and judicial orders. The circular does not specify the exact time window.
Citing Supreme Court orders, the NGT’s November 9, 2020, order, and the state government’s G.O. Rt. No. 692 dated November 10, 2020, the board asked all officers concerned to ensure strict compliance within their jurisdictions.
