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Nagpur: With 831 firecracker shops getting Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) nod by Oct 16, the spotlight is on how pollution-control norms will be enforced during Diwali , particularly in the absence of a clear mechanism to check violations. The civic body’s fire department issues no-objection certificates (NOCs) to vendors, charging ₹1,000 as an environmental fee and ₹3,000 towards safety measures. Their use is also barred within 100 metres of hospitals, educational institutions, government offices and courts, which are designated as silence zones. Violations could invite action under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Explosives Act, 1884, as applicable. Firecracker Shop Permissions / Certificates Information – 2026 Fire Station –Applications Received — Certificates Issued — Rejected Applications Cotton Market — 60 — 51 — 2 Narendra Nagar — 154 — 128 — 8 Gandhipeth — 103 — 54 — 37 Trimurti Nagar — 89 — 65 — 13 Sakkardara — 147 — 123 — 5 Sugatnagar — 125 — 110 — 13 Kalamna — 33 — 21 — 2 Lakadganj — 218 — 157 — 61 Civil Lines — 169 — 122 — 37 Total — 1,098 — 831 — 181 You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news.
DUST CONTROL MEASURES ALSO UNDER SCRUTINY The NMC’s enforcement of dust-control measures introduced two years ago to curb pre-Diwali air pollution is also under scrutiny.
Yet, sources said, no checks had reportedly been conducted on the noise levels or chemical composition of firecrackers sold in the city. Firecrackers release fine particulate matter and potentially harmful substances, including lead, barium, strontium, copper compounds and cadmium, according to experts. MPCB sub-regional officer Hema Deshpande said the civic body, police and other local authorities would assist in enforcing the guidelines. She told TOI that the head office order clearly assigns enforcement responsibility to civic bodies and the police. Strict action will be taken with the assistance of the municipal corporation, police and other local bodies,” she said.
Following a high court rap, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) issued guidelines promoting green crackers and mandating compliance with prescribed noise and emission limits. However, it remains unclear how compliance with noise and emission standards will be monitored. The MPCB guidelines prohibit bursting firecrackers on major roads, streets, lanes, footpaths and other public places. Noise-producing firecrackers cannot be burst between 10pm and 6am, while private premises must also comply with prescribed noise standards. Organisers of events and processions must install noise-measuring devices at venues to monitor sound levels. The guidelines also prohibit laser lights, high-intensity electric lighting and beam lights during festive processions. Exposure to these pollutants can pose health risks, particularly to children, senior citizens and people with respiratory ailments. However, no separate instructions had been issued to the NMC or Nagpur city police, she clarified. “Environmental protection is the responsibility of every citizen. The guidelines require construction sites to install green nets and sprinkle water to suppress dust. Vehicles transporting garbage and construction and demolition (C&D) waste must be covered, while dust-prone areas require preventive measures. The civic body’s public health engineering department was tasked with enforcing these measures. However, their effectiveness remains in question, with dust pollution continuing to be a concern ahead of Diwali. Download the TOI App.