West Bengal Warns Strict Action After Around 110 Kg Banned Crackers Seized

West Bengal government warns of strict action against violations of firecracker norms on Diwali, Chhath

The West Bengal government announced on October 29, 2026, that strict action would be taken against violations of firecracker norms during Diwali and Chhath Puja.

The announcement came as Kolkata Police arrested one man for wrongfully hoarding banned crackers and recovered around 110 kg of crackers.

Arrest over banned crackers

Kolkata Police said the accused was arrested from the spot at about 01:45 hrs on 29.10.2026.

The seized firecrackers were recovered in the presence of witnesses after the completion of due legal formalities, according to a statement from Kolkata Police.

A police officer registered a suo motu case at Burrabazar Police Station, after which 19-year-old Md. Toufiq was arrested.

The action forms part of the enforcement measures announced ahead of the festivals, when authorities are preparing to monitor the sale, storage and use of firecrackers.

Permission required for sky lanterns

The Director General of Police, West Bengal, Siddhi Nath Gupta, said sky lanterns could not be used without proper permission from the fire department.

Mr. Gupta said sky lanterns could be sold, bought and used, but anyone wishing to use them would have to acquire permission and follow the due process.

He also said that only green crackers would be allowed.

The authorities have multiple methods in place to ensure that sellers do not use fake green cracker labels on their products, Mr. Gupta said.

Limits on cracker use and timings

Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh urged people to limit even the use of green crackers.

Ms. Ghosh also urged residents to comply with pollution-control regulations and said the government had launched an awareness campaign to explain that celebrations and festivals could take place without polluting crackers.

“It is not just about enforcement; it is also a lot about self-awareness,” Ms. Ghosh said.

“Every single person gets affected by this pollution,” she added.

Ms. Ghosh said the decibel limit was 125 and 90 for sound-emitting and light-emitting crackers, respectively.

On Diwali, crackers may be burst between 8 and 10 p.m.

For Chhath Puja, the permitted time is from 6 to 8 a.m.

The restrictions are intended to support pollution-control measures while setting specific limits on when crackers can be used during the two festivals.

Higher surveillance during festivals

The authorities said surveillance and patrolling would be increased during the festival days.

Ms. Ghosh said officials would inspect all storage and manufacturing points and keep watch on cracker markets to ensure that violations did not take place.

“We will inspect all storage and manufacturing points, and keep a watch on the cracker markets to ensure no violations are made,” Ms. Ghosh added.

Source: The Hindu