In Tamil Nadu, fireworks between 6am and 7am; 7pm and 8pm

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday announced two-hour time slot for setting off fireworks in the state -- between 6am and 7am and 7pm and 8pm during Diwali. This follows the Supreme Court directions restricting fireworks to two hours.
“The state pollution control board will check the air quality seven days prior to Diwali and seven days after the festival,” said an official release.

The court on Tuesday modified its earlier order of two-hour time slot at night, after Tamil Nadu government moved the court with a prayer to allow use of fireworks in the morning, in addition to stipulated two hours, citing religious practices. While the court permitted the government to decide the time slot, it, however, stuck to its two-hour limit.

The state government also put out an advisory for a safe Diwali, asking people to use fireworks that cause less air and noise pollution. The residents’ welfare associations could facilitate use of fireworks at a common place after availing necessary permission from the local bodies.

Public should avoid using fireworks that produce high sound and should keep off areas closer to hospitals, religious institutions besides hutments and areas where silence is maintained.