In the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton urged public cooperation to regulate firecracker use during festivals.
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KOHIMA — Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on Monday appealed to the public and civil society organisations to cooperate with the police and district administrations in minimising the use of firecrackers in the state during festive seasons.
He was replying to a starred question raised by MLA Nuklutoshi during the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Nuklutoshi pointed out that firecrackers cause significant harm to both humans and animals due to toxic fumes and noise pollution.
He added that while firecrackers may be entertaining for the affluent, they can be a source of misery for poorer citizens.
The MLA further said that firecrackers are not part of Naga culture and highlighted that several Hindu-majority states have banned their use.
He questioned whether the Nagaland government would consider banning firecrackers in the state.
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In response, Patton said that the Supreme Court has permitted the regulated use of firecrackers subject to specific conditions, including the use of certified green crackers, restrictions on timings, and compliance with prescribed noise and pollution norms.
Accordingly, he said that the state government issues advisories and directions from time to time, especially during festive occasions.
Patton added that police and district administrations have issued orders three times—in 2023, 2024 and 2025—to regulate the use of firecrackers in line with the court’s directives.
He said that enforcement by the police and administration alone would not suffice and therefore appealed for full cooperation from the public and civil society organisations.
Authorities would intensify enforcement efforts if required, he added.