Diwali fireworks restricted to just two-hour window; only specific firecrackers allowed to be burst

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Home Department has ordered that only eco-friendly green firecrackers can be sold and used as part of the environmental pollution control. Green crackers are crackers that are made with chemicals that do not cause air pollution. There are few centres that manufacture these types of crackers. Firecrackers sold in Kerala are mainly manufactured in Tamil Nadu.

The restriction is in consideration of the recommendations of the Pollution Control Board, the orders of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal. As part of this, the time for the use of the 'green firecrackers' for Diwali has been fixed at 2 hours between 8 pm and 10 pm. Firecrackers should not be burst within 100 meters of hospitals, courts, educational institutions and places of worship.