Time Fixed for Use of Firecrackers in Shimla: DC Anupam Kashyap
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Shimla, October 18, 2025
District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has issued an order specifying that during the Diwali festival, firecrackers can be used only between 8 PM and 10 PM, and only green crackers are permitted.
He stated that in cities and towns where the air quality is moderate or below, only eco-friendly (green) crackers may be sold, and the use of firecrackers during festivals such as Diwali, Chhath Puja, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve will be restricted to a maximum of two hours in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines (2019) 13 SCC 523.
As per the order:
- Diwali: 8 PM to 10 PM
- Gurpurab: 4 AM to 5 AM and 9 PM to 10 PM
- Christmas Eve: 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM
- New Year’s Eve: 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM
Violations of these directions will attract penal action under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, along with other applicable provisions.
The Superintendent of Police, Shimla, and all Sub-Divisional Magistrates of the district have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these orders.
