Dimapur, Nov. 14 (EMN): The Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) has listed out a number of directives with regard to use of firecrackers during festive occasions such as Diwali, Chhath Puja, Christmas, New Year, and personal events such as weddings, and birthdays etc.
The DIPR informed in a news bulletin that the board issued a notification on Sep. 26 issued by member secretary Rusovil John that the government of India had stipulated certain rules to regulate noise so that people are not disturbed. The rules are part of regulations stipulated in the Noise (Regulation and Control of Pollution) Rules of 2000.
Under the rules, the deputy commissioner has been designated the implementing authority; bursting of crackers during night time i.e., from 10 pm to 6 am is prohibited; and firecrackers that emits noise above125 decibels are banned.
In addition to these rules, the NPCB also highlighted the rules under section 31A of the Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act of 1981 and section 8 of the noise (regulation and control of pollution) Rule of 2000. Under these rules, any individual or party, if they have to use fireworks must obtain prior permission from the administration who shall give authorisation to carry out the firework specifying the time and place for the purpose (away from the hospitals, schools, residential areas).
Wide publicity should be given prior to the event to avoid panic or distress to people in the vicinity and to maintain ‘a congenial environment, prevent annoyance, disturbance, and discomfort to the public,’ the DIPR stated.
