The West Garo Hills District Magistrate has issued orders under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting the sale and bursting of all foreign made fire crackers during the ensuing festivals of Christmas and New Year.
This was necessitated to contain air and sound pollutions which have direct bearings on the environment and health of the public, the order said.
The district magistrate said the order is in consonance with the Supreme Court of India order that prohibits the sale, purchase and procurement of foreign made fire crackers, use of joined fire crackers (series crackers or laris) which cause huge air, noise and solid waste problems.
“The use of fire crackers generating noise exceeding 125dB ( A1) or 145 dB (C) pk at 4 metres distance from the point of bursting, bursting of crackers within 100 metres of hospital, nursing homes, primary and district health care centres, educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other areas which may have been declared as silent zones by the concerned authorities,” the order said
However, he informed that sale of regulated and permitted brand and categories fire crackers the properties of which conforms to the guidelines of Central Pollution Board would be allowed to sell through the authorized licensed traders only, adding that in run up to the festivals, bursting of fire crackers shall be allowed up to 10 pm only but on Christmas and New Year Eve, it will be permitted from 11:55 pm till 12:30 am only.
