Firecracker Ban: Ahead of Diwali, Assam's Pollution Control Board (PCB) has imposed a complete ban on bursting and selling all types of firecrackers except green crackers in the state. In compliance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the order to curb air pollution during the festive season will remain in effect till further notification.
PCB president Arup Kumar Mishra said the state pollution body has also asked all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of the state to implement the directions. The PCB has also asked the state police to take action to stop the supply of firecrackers.
The police will nab those found storing illegal firecrackers and ensure that the use of the same is stopped as PCB only issues advisories and instructions.
The report of daily action taken in the state has to be submitted to the PCB.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of Diwali, people are allowed to burst green crackers for two hours.
Ban on sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi too
In view of the possible decline in air quality in Delhi with the beginning of October, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently announced a ban on storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers in the national capital. CM Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement from his Twitter handle.
"Seeing the severe pollution levels in the national capital for the last three years during Diwali, a complete ban is being imposed on storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in Delhi this time, just like last year," he tweeted in Hindi.
"Last year, the ban was imposed after traders had already stored firecrackers for sale which had resulted in losses for them. I appeal to the traders to not stock up on firecrackers in view of the complete ban," he added.