East Khasi Hills DM bans loud firecrackers for Christmas and New Year

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 22, 2024

The District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, Rosetta Mary Kurbah, IAS, has issued an order under Section 163 BNSS to regulate the sale and use of firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The directive comes in light of concerns regarding public safety, noise pollution, and environmental risk arising with use of fireworks.

As per the order, firecrackers can only be sold by licensed retailers in accordance with Rule 84 of the Explosives Rules, 2008. The sale and use of imported fireworks remain strictly prohibited, following a 1992 government notification.

Additionally, only reduced-emission firecrackers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) are allowed for sale. Firecrackers producing noise levels exceeding 125 dB (A1) at four meters or 145 dB (C) peak are banned, along with the manufacture and use of joined firecrackers, commonly known as laris.

The order permits the use of fireworks only during designated hours, from 12:00 midnight to 12:30 AM on December 25, 2024, and January 1, 2025.

Fireworks are strictly prohibited in silence zones, including areas within 100 meters of hospitals, schools, courts, and religious places. However, silent fireworks such as Tarabatti and Tubri are allowed in public spaces during the festivities.

The directive, effective immediately, has been issued in the interest of public safety and to maintain order during the celebrations. The order will remain in force until the conclusion of the festive season.