Photo Courtesy: Image from Pixabay | For representational purpose only
Dimapur, October 28 (MExN): The Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, has issued an advisory cautioning citizens on the ban on bursting of firecrackers and appealing to all residents to celebrate festivals in an “eco-friendly and responsible manner” in view of the approaching festive season.
The advisory, applicable within the jurisdiction of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts, states that only Reduced Emission firecrackers, Improved crackers and Green Crackers (Safe Water and Air Sprinklers-SWAS), as prescribed and approved by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO) shall be sold or used.
“Only fireworks manufactured, marked, tested and approved in accordance with applicable law and PESO requirements may be possessed, transported, sold or used,” the advisory stated.
Citing Supreme Court judgments, the advisory said the apex court has emphasised the importance of protecting the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, “including protection from air and noise pollution,” and has issued directions regulating the use of firecrackers, including their chemical composition, permissible noise levels, timings of use, sale and distribution.
The guidelines have been issued in furtherance of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the Explosives Act, 1884, the Explosives Rules, 2008, applicable directions of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and relevant instructions of the Central and State Governments.
Time Restrictions
On Diwali days or other festivals like Gurupurab, bursting of permitted fireworks shall be restricted strictly from 8:00 PM till 10:00 PM only. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, bursting of permitted fireworks shall be allowed strictly from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM.
Banned products and prohibited chemicals
Fireworks containing prohibited or hazardous chemical constituents, including barium salts, strontium chromate, lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead or mercury, shall not be manufactured, possessed, sold, transported or used, with excessive or non-compliant aluminum content also prohibited.
“The manufacture, sale, and use of Joined Firecrackers (series crackers or laris) is strictly banned,” the advisory said, adding that firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 dB (AI) or 145 dB (C)pk at 4 meters distance from the point of bursting are strictly prohibited.
E-commerce platforms and online marketplaces shall not process orders or deliver firecrackers within the jurisdiction, and “any online delivery of banned fireworks will invite legal action under applicable laws.”
Trader Guidance
Sale of permissible green crackers shall strictly be conducted by licensed traders holding valid permits, and traders have been advised to verify their stock and ensure compliance with PESO standards.
“Stocking or selling counterfeit green crackers or boxes displaying fake QR codes is illegal and subject to inspection, seizure, and cancellation of license,” the advisory warned.
Silence Zones and Community Participation
Fireworks are strictly prohibited within Silence Zones, areas at least 100 meters away from hospitals, health-care centres, educational institutions, courts, and religious places. Residents have been encouraged to opt for organized community fire cracking at designated open grounds identified by the local administration, minimizing individual bursting in congested areas.
Enforcement
All Officers-in-Charge (OCs) have been directed to ensure proactive monitoring, regular inspection of local markets, and strict compliance with the directions within their respective jurisdictions. “Anyone found violating this order shall be penalized in accordance with the provisions of law,” the advisory signed by Commissioner of Police Aotula T Imchen, IPS, stated.
