UP Announces Firecracker Ban in NCR Districts

• 30 Aug 2025

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government has declared a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) districts of the state. 

Key Points

• Coverage: The ban applies to eight districts under the Delhi-NCR region, including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Baghpat, Shamli, and Muzaffarnagar.
• Legal Framework: The ban is implemented ahead of the festive season, including Dussehra and Diwali, in compliance with a Supreme Court directive to reduce pollution levels in the NCR.
  • The violation will invite imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Section 15 empowers the Central Government to instruct any authority or officer to act for environmental protection.
  • For repeat offenses, an additional fine of Rs 5,000 per day will be imposed until compliance is achieved.
• Objectives of the Ban:
  • Air Pollution Control: The ban is aimed at addressing the annual surge in air pollution during the festive season, particularly caused by the use of firecrackers.
  • Public Health Protection: The measure seeks to protect public health from the harmful effects of air pollution, especially during the high-pollution months.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

• The EPA, 1986, was passed by the Parliament in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive law to protect the environment and public health.  
• EPA enacted under Article 253 of the Constitution (empowers the Parliament to enact laws for implementing international agreements) to fulfill international commitments made at the 1972 Stockholm Conference. 
• The Act empowers the Central Government to prevent, control, and respond to environmental pollution. It allows the Centre to set standards, regulate emissions, shut down polluting industries, and control essential services.  
• Article 48A directs the State to protect the environment, forests, and wildlife, while Article 51A makes it the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment.