SHILLONG:
The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills district, Shillong, in an order issued on October 21 imposed certain restrictions on the usage of firecrackers during the ensuing Diwali festival. The order comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in place till the celebration of the Diwali Festival is over.
As per the order, bursting of firecrackers is permitted only from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the said day.
Further, the sale, purchase and procurement of foreign-made firecrackers, the use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) which cause huge air, noise and solid waste, the use of firecrackers generating noise level exceeding l25 dB (Al) or 145 dB (C) pk at 4 meters have been prohibited.
Apart from that, there is also a prohibition on bursting of crackers within 100 meters of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health care centres, educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other areas which may have been declared as silent zones by the concerned authorities. distance from the point of bursting. problems.
Further, the sale of fire crackers shall only be through licensed traders and it shall be ensured that these licensed traders sell only those firecrackers which have been permitted by this office and are in compliance to Central Pollution Control Board guidelines.
Further, on the festive day, use of Audio Systems shall conform to the ambient noise level within the prescribed limit of the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules 2000 as amended i.e Audio System used should be fitted with Sound limiter. Also, organizer to maintain the ambient noise level within the prescribed limit of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 as amended i.e (A) In Industrial area emission of sound level is 75 dB(A) Leq during day time and 70 during night time, (B) Commercial area, emission of sound level is 65 dB(A) Leq during day time and 55 during night time, (C) Residential area, emission of sound level is 55 dB(A) Leq during day time and 45 during night time and (D) Silence Zone, emission of sound level is 50 dB(A) Leq during day time and 40 during night time.
As per the release, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order dated 29.10.20210 has noted that air pollution from all sources has to be contained, and hence there is a felt need to restrict the usage of firecrackers.