Diwali to be observed without firecrackers in Assam: Pollution Control Board

GUWAHATI: The Pollution Control Board has directed the respective deputy commissioners to put a ban on firecrackers during Diwali celebrations in Assam.

The board's decision to ban firecrackers during 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

As per the earlier notification, the board has allowed the selling and bursting of green crackers only for two hours, from 8 pm to 10 pm during Diwali, from 6 am to 8 am during Chhath Puja and on Christmas and on New Year’s Eve from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.

“In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 31(A) of Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, read with Rule 35 of Air (Prevention & Control Pollution) Assam Rule, 1991 and keeping in view the need of public interest to curb high air pollution, Pollution Control Board, Assam directs that a complete ban has been imposed on bursting and sale of all kinds of firecrackers except green crackers in the state till further orders”, the notification read.

“Only green crackers can be sold and bursting is allowed only for two hours during Diwali from 8 pm to 10 pm, during Chhath Puja from 6 am to 8 am and during Christmas and New Year’s Eve from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am. Other than the above specified festivals, prior permission of the concerned Deputy Commissioners of the districts will be required for use of only green crackers for a limited period (not more than two hours) in the state of Assam,” it added.

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