The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, has prohibited the manufacture, sale, purchase and use of firecrackers containing barium salts across the district with immediate effect.

The order follows directions of the Supreme Court of India in WP(C) No. 728 of 2015, Arjun Gopal & Others vs Union of India & Others, including its subsequent order dated October 29, 2021, which highlighted the health and environmental hazards associated with firecrackers, particularly fire risks, noise pollution and air pollution. The notification also refers to the Commissioner’s letter No. CNJ/SC/2018/16 dated June 1, 2026.

In view of these concerns, the Deputy Commissioner has directed that all forms of firecrackers containing barium salts be strictly prohibited in Wokha district. However, the use of permissible green crackers may be encouraged during festive occasions such as Diwali, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

The order further emphasises that celebrations involving firecrackers should be organised through community participation in pre-identified and designated areas approved by the concerned authorities, rather than through individual bursting of crackers.

It cautioned that any individual or organisation found manufacturing, selling or using prohibited firecrackers would be liable for penalties under the relevant provisions of law.