Overview
- The Tamil Nadu government announced on Wednesday that people may burst firecrackers only from 6:00–7:00 AM and 7:00–8:00 PM on Deepavali 2026.
- The advisory reiterates the Supreme Court’s 2018 rule that only reduced-emission “green crackers” may be sold or used.
- The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board is running awareness drives through schools, higher-education institutions, Eco Clubs, the National Green Corps and local bodies to promote compliance.
- The release bans joint or series crackers and forbids bursting near silence zones and fire-prone thatched huts while urging neighbourhood welfare associations to hold community events in open spaces.
- Officials say concentrating fireworks into two short windows should cut local spikes in smoke, noise and fire incidents, but the guidance depends on local bodies and community groups for implementation rather than announcing new penalties.