Pune Police Ban Loud Firecrackers Between 10 pm and 6 am, Set Diwali Safety Rules

Pune Police have issued guidelines for the sale and use of firecrackers during Diwali 2026, prohibiting noise-producing firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am. The guidelines also ban bursting firecrackers on public roads and within 100 metres of hospitals, educational institutions and courts.

According to a notice issued by the Pune City Police Commissioner’s Office, temporary firecracker sale licences will be valid from November 6 to December 5, 2026. After the licence period expires, sellers cannot sell firecrackers or other fireworks. Unsold stock must be returned to an authorised warehouse or a wholesaler holding the required licence.

The police have prohibited bursting, launching or setting off firecrackers, fire balloons and fire arrows on public roads, lanes, footpaths and within 10 metres of roads across the Pune Police Commissionerate limits throughout the year. Violators will face legal action under the relevant provisions of the Mumbai Police Act, 1951.

The notice also prohibits the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers producing noise above the prescribed limits. Firecrackers generating sound levels of 125 decibels or more, measured four metres from the point of bursting, are banned. For firecracker chains containing 50 to 100 crackers, the permitted sound level is 115 decibels, while chains containing more than 100 crackers must not exceed 105 decibels. Firecracker chains exceeding the prescribed limits are prohibited.

Noise-producing firecrackers cannot be used between 10 pm and 6 am. However, fireworks that produce colours without making noise are not subject to this time restriction. The police have also advised citizens to consider green firecrackers that cause less noise and air pollution.

The use of all firecrackers is prohibited at any time within designated silence zones, covering areas within 100 metres of hospitals, educational institutions and courts. Fireworks are also prohibited within 50 metres of temporary firecracker stalls where licences have been granted.

The notice directs authorities to monitor noise levels, take action against violations and seize equipment or materials involved in illegal activities. Firecracker sellers have also been instructed not to sell foreign-origin firecrackers, in accordance with the relevant explosives safety authority’s directions.

Violations may attract action under the applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Explosives Act, 1884, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Pune Police have urged citizens to follow the safety guidelines to prevent accidents and hazards during Diwali. Residents can report violations by calling emergency helpline number 112.

The notice was issued by Sanjay Patil, Additional Commissioner of Police (Administration), Pune City Police.