Dimapur police warn against use of banned firecrackers

DIMAPUR, OCT 28 (NPN): Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur Aotula T Imchen has cautioned public against the use of banned firecrackers and urged them to celebrate the festive season responsibly, citing restrictions on fireworks, noise pollution and environmental protection.
In an advisory covering Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts, the CP said only fireworks approved in accordance with applicable laws and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) requirements could be sold or used. The advisory stated that only permitted reduced-emission and green crackers, including Safe Water and Air Sprinklers (SWAS), would be allowed.
Bursting of permitted fireworks on Diwali and other festivals such as Gurpurab would be restricted to 8 pm to 10 pm. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the permitted time would be 11:55pm to 12:30am.
The advisory prohibited fireworks containing banned or hazardous chemical constituents, including barium salts, strontium chromate, lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead and mercury. Joined firecrackers, including series crackers or laris, have also been strictly prohibited.
Firecrackers exceeding the prescribed noise limits of 125 dB (AI) or 145 dB (C) peak at four metres from the point of bursting have been banned. E-commerce platforms and online marketplaces have been prohibited from processing orders or delivering firecrackers within the three districts.
CP directed that permissible green crackers be sold only by licensed traders holding valid permits. Vendors were advised to verify their stock and ensure compliance with PESO standards, warning that counterfeit products and packaging displaying fake QR codes could lead to inspection, seizure and cancellation of licences.
Fireworks have also been prohibited in silence zones (areas within 100 metres of hospitals, healthcare centres, educational institutions, courts and religious places).
Residents were encouraged to opt for organised community firecracker displays at designated open grounds identified by the local administration, rather than bursting crackers individually in congested areas.
The advisory directed all officers-in-charge of police stations to monitor compliance and conduct regular inspections of local markets. Violations would invite penalties under applicable laws, it cautioned.