GUWAHATI: Ahead of the Diwali celebrations, Guwahati Police have announced a series of stringent rules regarding the sale and use of firecrackers, aiming to curb noise and air pollution.
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Talking to G Plus, a senior police official in Kamrup Metro said, "All license holders and retailers must strictly follow the regulations set by the Supreme Court of India, Pollution Control Board, Assam, and other environmental authorities."
He also added, "Under the new guidelines, only green crackers, which are less polluting, will be permitted for sale. High-decibel firecrackers generating noise levels above 125 dB (A-1) and 145 dB (c) are completely banned. Crackers can only be burst between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali, and no fireworks are allowed in designated Silence Zones."
The official also emphasized that licensees will be held accountable if banned or imported crackers are found in their stores. Only Indian-origin green crackers are allowed for sale, and sound-emitting crackers are strictly prohibited from 10 PM to 8 AM.
Safety regulations for retailers were also highlighted:
* All fireworks must be stored in closed, non-flammable sheds to prevent unauthorized access.
* Sheds must be spaced three meters apart and fifty meters from protected structures.
* Electrical lighting should be securely installed to avoid hazards, and naked flames, oil lamps, or incense sticks are not allowed near the sheds.
* Display of fireworks is banned within fifty meters of any storage shed.
* Sales staff should wear cotton clothing to reduce fire risks.
He further added, "Retailers with temporary licenses can possess up to 100 kg of green crackers from October 27 to November 7, with licenses issued upon fee payment of Rs. 2,000."
