Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie informed all concerned that bursting of fireworks in “Silence Zones” that is, an area at least 100 meters away from hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health care centres, education institutions, courts and religious places is strictly prohibited

The order also added that only crackers with reduced emission (improved crackers) and green crackers will be permitted to be sold through licensed traders and used; the manufacture, sale and use of fire- crackers generating noise level exceeding 125Db (AI) or 145Db (c) Pk at 4 meters distance from the point of bursting shall be prohibited and the manufacture, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) have been banned as the same causes air, noise and solid waste problems. Fireworks containing barium salts are also banned.

On festival days like Diwali, Gurupurab etc. when fireworks generally are used, the same will be allowed strictly till 10:00 PM only and not beyond. On Christmas eve and New Year’s eve, when such fireworks start around midnight i.e, 12:00 AM, it would be permitted from 11:55 PM till 12:30 AM only.

DC also informed that as per the Supreme Court directives, though there is no total ban on use of firecrackers, the general public, however, are advised to refrain from and minimize the usage of the same.

The Order have been issued for strict compliance by all concerned to take note of the above directives and ensure strict adherence to the same and the defaulters are liable to be penalized under relevant sections of the law

(Akamla IA Kohima)