Bursting of crackers permitted from 11:55 p.m till 12:30 a.m on Christmas and New Year’s eve

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 2, 2021

With Christmas festival and New Year round the corner and shall be celebrated across East Garo Hills District, the bursting of firecrackers in public places and private premises is imminent and if unregulated, will significantly affect the air quality and will produce noise pollution, Swapnil Tembe, IAS, District Magistrate, East Garo Hills District, Williamnagar imposed section 144 Cr.P.C in the entire district.

According to the prohibitory order, the sale, purchase and procurement of all firecrackers having barium salts and all other banned firecrackers

The use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) which causes huge air, noise and solid waste pollution

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

Bursting of crackers within 100 meters SILENCE ZONES I.e. hospital, nursing home, primary and district health care centres, educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other areas which may have been declared as silent zones.

It is also directed that the bursting of firecrackers should not be undertaken after 10 p.m. However, on Christmas and New Year’s eve, it shall be permitted from 11:55 p.m till 12:30 a.m only.

Further, the sale of firecrackers shall only be through licensed traders and it shall be ensured that these licensed traders sell only Green firecrackers which have been permitted and are in compliance to Central Pollution Control Board guidelines.