Following the Supreme Court setting aside the Calcutta High Court order imposing a total ban on firecrackers, the deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, has issued directives concerning firecrackers for strict compliance by all concerned.
In an order, DC Dimapur stated that no fireworks would be burst in silence zones i.e. an area at least 100 meter away from hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health care centres, educational institutions, courts and religious places.
DC informed that only crackers with reduced emission (improved crackers) and green crackers would be permitted to be sold through licensed traders and used.
The order has prohibited the manufacture, sale and use of fire-crackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB (AI) or 145dB (C)pk at 4 meters distance from the point of bursting.
Further, the order has banned manufacture, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) as the same cause huge air noise and solid waste problems. Fireworks containing barium salts has also been banned.
On festival days like Diwali, Gurupurab etc, DC stated that the fireworks would be allowed strictly till 10pm only and not beyond.
On Christmas eve and New Year’s eve, DC said fireworks would be permitted from 11:55 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. only.
As per the Supreme Court directives, DC has advised the general public to refrain from and minimise the usage of the firecrackers. DC has cautioned that defaulters were liable to be penalized under relevant sections of the law.