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