Pune Police Bans Atom Bomb Crackers, Restricts Firecracker Bursting During Diwali 2026
Pune Police has issued guidelines for the sale and bursting of firecrackers during Diwali 2026, prohibiting traditional atom bomb crackers and imported firecrackers while imposing restrictions on noise levels, timings and locations.
According to a notice from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Pune City, temporary licences for firecracker sales will be valid from November 6 to December 5, 2026. Vendors cannot sell crackers after December 5 and must return any unsold stock to a licensed warehouse or wholesale licence holder.
The production, possession and sale of traditional atom bomb crackers, specified in the notice as string-wrapped explosive crackers weighing 42.534 grams, are prohibited. Licensed vendors are also barred from selling imported or foreign-origin firecrackers.
Pune Police has reiterated that bursting firecrackers, flying fire balloons and launching rockets are prohibited throughout the year on public streets, lanes and footpaths, as well as within 10 metres of roads, highways, bridges and ghats. Bursting firecrackers is also prohibited within a 50-metre radius of temporary authorised firecracker stalls.
Under noise pollution rules, individual firecrackers must not exceed 125 decibels when measured from four metres away. Noise limits for strings of crackers vary according to the number of crackers, with limits of 115 dB for strings of 50-100 crackers, 110 dB for strings exceeding 100 crackers and 105 dB for larger strings, as specified in the notice.
Noise-making firecrackers are prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am. Firecrackers are also banned at all times in silence zones, including areas within 100 metres of hospitals, educational institutions and courts. Citizens have been encouraged to use green crackers and other visual, sparkling items that do not produce loud noise.
Violations may attract legal action, penalties and seizure of equipment under 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 has appealed to citizens to follow the guidelines to ensure a safe and pollution-free Diwali. Residents can report violations by calling 112.
