Tiruvannamalai District Collector K. Tharpagaraj, I.A.S., has urged the public to celebrate Diwali responsibly by using only green crackers and following the permitted timings to ensure a pollution-free and accident-free festival.
Stating that Diwali is a festival of happiness and togetherness, the Collector noted that the bursting of crackers, while joyous, causes air, water, and noise pollution that can affect children, the elderly, and patients.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2018 order, he said only environmentally friendly green crackers should be produced and sold, and awareness must be created to reduce air pollution. As per the Tamil Nadu Government’s directive, crackers may be burst only between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and again between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Diwali.
Departments including the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, School Education, Higher Education, Police, and Local Administration are conducting awareness drives to highlight the harmful effects of excessive firecracker use.
The Collector also issued safety guidelines for the public—use only green crackers that emit less smoke and sound, burst them in open areas with permission from local authorities, and avoid using loud fireworks near hospitals, temples, or flammable areas.
Reiterating the government’s appeal, he said, “Let us celebrate Diwali joyfully and safely by bursting only green crackers during the permitted hours, ensuring a festival free from accidents, noise, and pollution.”
