Maharashtra schools to administer pollution-free Diwali pledge to students
The initiative follows a Bombay High Court order regarding noise and environmental pollution concerns during the festival.
Schools and junior colleges throughout Maharashtra will ask students to take a pledge to avoid bursting firecrackers, according to Urban Acres.
The move comes after the Bombay High Court issued an order on October 15, 2026, regarding a suo motu public interest petition concerning noise and environmental pollution. Following this, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board wrote to education authorities on October 22.
Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Director Dr Mahesh Palkar issued the directions. Regional deputy directors of education, zilla parishad officers, and municipal corporation education departments must ensure the instructions reach all schools and junior colleges in their areas.
The campaign aims to make students aware of how firecrackers affect birds, animals, senior citizens, patients, and young children. Students are encouraged to persuade their families and relatives to avoid firecrackers and to celebrate festivals without causing pollution.
Schools can use their regular assembly time to conduct the pledge. The instructions require local education officials to notify headmasters and principals of the government's directions.