Bursting of crackers near hospitals prohibited

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 22, 2022

In view of the Diwali celebration on Monday next, Isawanda Laloo, IAS, District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong imposed prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPC to keep a tab on air pollution and noise pollution in the district.

The order prohibited the sale, purchase and procurement of foreign-made firecrackers.

The use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) which cause huge air, noise and solid waste problems.

The use of firecrackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB (A1) or 145 dB (C) pk at 4 meters distance from the point of bursting.

Bursting of crackers within 100 meters of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health care centers, educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other areas which may have been declared as silent zones by the concerned authorities.

It is also directed that the bursting of firecrackers is permitted only from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the said day.

The sale of fire crackers shall only be through licensed traders and it shall be ensured that these licensed traders sell only those firecrackers which have been permitted by the office and are in compliance to Central Pollution Control Board guidelines.

On the festive day, use of Audio Systems shall conform to the ambient noise level within the prescribed limit of the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules 2000 as amended i.e Audio System used should be fitted with Sound limiter. .

The organizer to maintain the ambient noise level within the prescribed limit of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 as amended i.e (A) In Industrial area emission of sound level is 75 dB(A) Leq during day time and 70 during night time, (B) Commercial area, emission of sound level is 65 dB(A) Leq during day time and 55 during night time, (C) Residential area, emission of sound level is 55 dB(A) Leq during day time and 45 during night time and (D) Silence Zone, emission of sound level is 50 dB(A) Leq during day time and 40 during night time.