Assam: PCB says air quality moderate; bursting of green crackers allowed for 2 hours in Diwali

GUWAHATI: The Pollution Control Board of Assam has allowed bursting of Green crackers in the state for only two hours from 8PM to 10PM during the festival of Diwali.

In an officiam notification, the board stated that the decision was taken as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the state has been found to be moderate or below.

"The Air Quality Index (AQI) in all the cities/towns in Assam, including Guwahati, is moderate or below and therefore bursting of green crackers are allowed. Bursting is allowed for only two hours from 8pm to 10pm during Dipawali which is from November 3rd to 5th", the notification read.

The board further stated that busting of green crackers during Chatth Puja from will be allowed 6Am to 8am November 10 and 11.

"Other than the above specified festival, prior permission of the Deputy commissioner of the area will be required for use of crackers for limited period which will be given having regard to air quality", the statememt further read.

The board’s earlier decision to ban firecrackers during Diwali invited controversy after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged it had issued a blanket ban on crackers in the state without consulting the state government.

“Assam Pollution Control Board has, reportedly, suo motu, without any consultation with Govt, issued an order banning sale of firecrackers & other restrictions”, tweeted the Chief Minister earlier