Ban on firecrackers during Diwali to remain in force: Pollution Control Board, Assam

The Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) stated on October 31 that the ban on the use and sale of firecrackers will remain in force to curb air pollution during the Dipawali celebration in the state.

"We have asked all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to implement the order and also ask the state police to take action against those who violate the norms,” said an official of the PCBA.

This order was imposed on October 22. However, three days later, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said that the PCBA order has to be reviewed keeping the people's sentiment in mind. Sarma further stated that the order was issued without consulting with the state government.

On October 29, the Supreme Court clarified that there is no complete ban on the use of fireworks but only those can be used which do not contain barium compounds as it produces more smoke when they burn.

“It is made clear that there is no total ban on the use of firecrackers,” the court said. According to the PCBA and Supreme Court order, the administration can allow the people to burst green crackers during a two-hour window.

With the Dipawali celebrations already underway, many people are left perplexed as to whether or not their festivities can go on as usual.
The Assam government is yet to issue any directive in this regard.

“We have not received instruction from the government,” said Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner Biswa Pegu. Echoing a similar tune, Guwahati Commissioner of Police Harmeet Singh clarified that the police will wait till the government has made its decision before following any orders.

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