The District Magistrate of West Jaiñtia Hills has restricted the bursting of fireworks on Diwali this year to the period between 8pm and 10pm.
The official passed the order under Section 144 of the CrPC. Diwali this year falls on October 24.
The Deputy Magistrate has prohibited the sale, purchase and procurement of foreign-made firecrackers, use of joined firecrackers (series crackers of laris) which cause huge air, noise and solid waste problems, use of firecrackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB (A!) or 145 dB (C) pk at 4 metres distance from the point of bursting.
The order also prohibits bursting of firecrackers within 100m of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district healthcare centres, educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other area which may have been declared as ‘silent zones’ by the concerned authorities.
Sale of firecrackers will only be through licensed traders and the licensed traders should sell only those firecrackers that have been permitted by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaiñtia Hills and are in compliance with Central Pollution Board guidelines.
The order will remain in force until New Year.
