Diwali 2026: People Defy Supreme Court Guidelines as Firecrackers Trigger Pollution Concerns in Odisha

Despite repeated appeals for an environment-friendly Diwali, people once again appeared to disregard restrictions on bursting firecrackers, raising concerns over increasing air and noise pollution across the country.

The festival of lights was celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, with homes and streets illuminated with colourful lights and decorations. However, excessive firecracker bursting turned the night sky into a spectacle of fireworks, while loud explosions echoed across residential areas.

Supreme Court Guidelines Ignored

Keeping rising pollution levels in mind, the Supreme Court had issued guidelines restricting the timing of firecracker bursting. According to the prescribed schedule, people were allowed to burst firecrackers only between 7 PM and 9 PM.

However, many people reportedly ignored these guidelines. From children to elderly people, several residents continued bursting firecrackers beyond the permitted hours.

Firecracker explosions began soon after sunset and continued late into the night, creating significant noise pollution. The loud sounds of fireworks disturbed the otherwise festive atmosphere, with urban areas witnessing more intense noise pollution compared to rural regions.

Pollution Concerns in Odisha Cities

The situation has raised particular concerns over the deteriorating air quality in Odisha’s major cities.

At around 7:30 PM, the skies over Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela and Angul had turned visibly grey due to smoke generated by firecrackers.

The hazy atmosphere triggered fears that air pollution levels could rise sharply as the night progressed. There were concerns that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in these cities could reach dangerous levels by 11 PM.

Growing Environmental Concerns

The excessive use of firecrackers during Diwali has once again highlighted the challenge of balancing festive celebrations with environmental responsibility.

Despite judicial guidelines and growing awareness about the harmful effects of air and noise pollution, violations continue to be reported during the festival.

The situation underscores the need for greater public awareness and responsible celebrations to protect the environment and public health.