Mumbai Police releases advisory for safe, environment-friendly Diwali celebrations

The festival of Diwali, which is celebrated on the occasion of Narakh Chaturdashi, is falling this Sunday - Nov 12. Now considering the city's detereorating AQI, affected majorly due to stubble burning practices and the low-pressure zone forming during the season, the Mumbai Police and Bombay High Court have released a joint advisory for Diwali.

Here are the guidelines issued under the advisory:

• The advisory allows the use of firecrackers during Diwali but imposes a time restriction. Fireworks are permitted only between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

• The usage, sale, or flying of sky lanterns is strictly prohibited from November 4th to December 3rd

• Violators of these guidelines will face legal consequences under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, entailing potential penalties of up to six months in prison, a Rs 1,000 fine, or both

• The sale, possession, and display of firecrackers without the appropriate license have been strictly prohibited during this period