With Diwali around the corner, Lucknow Police has issued an advisory regulating the sale of firecrackers across the city. Only approved green firecrackers, which generate comparatively lower pollution, will be permitted for sale. The sale of traditional crackers that produce excessive noise and emissions is prohibited, with strict safety norms to be followed by vendors.

As of now, the police have allowed 1,201 firecracker shops across the city’s five zones: Western, Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern.

• Sainik Ground, Sarojininagar: 67 shops

• Kathavachak Maidan, Ashiana: 50 shops

• Vikasnagar Mini Stadium: 50 shops

• Government Polytechnic Ground, Ghazipur: 50 shops

• Ram Bharose Maiku Lal Ground, PGI area: 50 shops

•  Shakuntala Degree College, Para: 45 shops

•  DAV Inter College, Naka: 40 shops

• Amrapali Yojana, Dubagga: 40 shops

• Sector-E Secretariat Colony, Madiaon: 40 shops

• Kathauta Lake area, Chinhat: 35 shops

•  LPS Ground, Vibhuti Khand: 25 shops

Green firecrackers are specially formulated, lower-emission fireworks designed to produce about 30% less particulate matter and fewer toxic gases than traditional firecrackers. The police have specified that only green crackers, described in the notification as causing 30% less pollution than conventional crackers, will be permitted for sale. The sale of hazardous and loud firecrackers is not allowed.

Crackers with sound levels of 110–125 dB are allowed to reduce noise pollution during the festival. Authorities are following Supreme Court orders aimed at protecting the environment (Article 21: Right to Clean Air) and preserving cultural celebrations (Article 25: Religious Practices). The court has officially allowed only scientifically validated green crackers.

To minimise the risk of fire accidents, temporary firecracker shops must be at least 50 metres away from protected structures, including residential buildings, hospitals, schools, electricity transformers, and warehouses storing inflammable materials. A clear passage of three to six metres must be maintained in front of the shops to facilitate crowd movement and provide access for fire tenders.