Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Aotula T Imchen has cautioned citizens against violating restrictions on firecrackers ahead of the festive season, urging residents to celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly and responsible manner.
In an advisory covering Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts, the Commissioner of Police cited various judgments and directions of the Supreme Court of India emphasising the protection of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, including protection from air and noise pollution.
The advisory stated that the Supreme Court had issued directions regulating the chemical composition, permissible noise levels, timings of use, sale and distribution of firecrackers, along with enforcement of applicable restrictions.
Accordingly, the police have outlined guidelines under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the Explosives Act, 1884, the Explosives Rules, 2008, and other applicable directions and instructions issued by the courts and governments.
Permitted fireworks and timings
The advisory stated that only fireworks manufactured, marked, tested and approved in accordance with applicable laws and the requirements of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) may be possessed, transported, sold or used.
Only approved reduced-emission firecrackers, including green crackers and Safe Water and Air Sprinklers (SWAS), are permitted for sale and use, as specified in the advisory.
The use of permitted fireworks on Diwali and festivals such as Gurpurab has been restricted to 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the permitted period will be 11.55 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Ban on hazardous and prohibited firecrackers
Fireworks containing prohibited or hazardous chemical constituents, including barium salts, strontium chromate, lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead and mercury, are prohibited. Excessive or non-compliant aluminium content is also not permitted.
The manufacture, sale and use of joined firecrackers, including series crackers or ladis, are strictly banned.
Firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 dB (AI) or 145 dB (C) peak at a distance of four metres from the point of bursting are also prohibited.
The advisory further prohibits e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces from processing orders or delivering firecrackers within the jurisdiction. Online delivery of banned fireworks will invite legal action under applicable laws.
Licensed vendors and counterfeit products
The sale of permitted green crackers must be carried out exclusively by licensed traders holding valid permits. Traders have been advised to verify their stocks and ensure compliance with PESO standards.
The advisory warned that stocking or selling counterfeit green crackers, including boxes displaying fake QR codes, is illegal and may result in inspection, seizure of stock and cancellation of licences.
Silence zones and enforcement
Fireworks are strictly prohibited in silence zones, defined in the advisory as areas within 100 metres of hospitals, healthcare centres, educational institutions, courts and religious places.
Residents have been encouraged to opt for organised community firecracker displays at designated open grounds identified by the local administration, instead of individual bursting in congested areas.
All officers-in-charge of police stations have been directed to ensure proactive monitoring, conduct regular inspections of local markets and enforce the restrictions within their respective jurisdictions.
The Commissioner of Police warned that anyone found violating the directions would face penalties in accordance with the law, and appealed to the public to observe the restrictions in the interest of public health, safety and environmental protection.
