Diwali firecracker guidelines: Sale of foreign made crackers banned

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 30, 2024

In view of the upcoming Diwali celebration on November 1, 2024, and to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all citizens, the District Magistrate Incharge, West Jaintia Hills, HML Kynta, in an order issued under Section 163 BNNS, prohibits the sale, purchase, and procurement of foreign-made firecrackers.

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

As per the order, firecrackers generating noise exceeding 125 dB (A1) or 145 dB (C) pk at 4 meters distance from the point of bursting are prohibited. The use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris), which cause huge air, noise, and solid waste problems, is also prohibited.

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

The bursting of crackers on Diwali day, the 1st of November, 2024, in the district is permitted from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This order will come into force with immediate effect until the celebration of the Diwali festival is over.