Dimapur, October 28 (MExN): Ahead of the festive season, the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, has reiterated the ban on firecrackers, urging citizens to prioritize environmental safety and community well-being. The advisory cautions against the use of fireworks, which, besides being environmentally harmful, can cause significant distress to both animals and humans due to their loud explosions and toxic emissions.
According to the notice, while the general ban remains in place, limited exceptions apply on specific occasions. Fireworks will be permitted from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Diwali and other festivals like Gurupurab. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the permissible time window extends from 11:55 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. only.
The Commissioner’s Office has specified that only reduced emission firecrackers, such as improved and “green crackers” approved by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO), are allowed. Licensed traders are authorized to sell these specific types, ensuring adherence to the restrictions.
The advisory also mandates that no fireworks should be ignited within 100 meters of silence zones, including hospitals, schools, courts, religious sites, and other designated areas. Further restrictions prohibit firecrackers containing hazardous chemicals like barium, lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead, or mercury, along with those exceeding a noise level of 125 dB (AI) or 145 dB (C) at a 4-meter distance.
The Commissioner warned that violators will face legal penalties as prescribed by law.
