Guwahati: An order was passed by the pollution control board on the 22nd of October, stating that only Green crackers are to be used for the upcoming festivals, including Diwali.
It is further notified that green crackers in comparison to traditional crackers have a low emission rate with smaller shells producing lesser harmful emissions to the environment.
The Pollution Control Board (PCB) has published guidelines stating, a complete ban on selling and bursting any traditional firecrackers until further notice. The time frame has been set up by the PCB for 2 hours maximum, from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and only Green Crackers are allowed to be sold and purchased in the state. Meanwhile, crackers are allowed for Chhat puja from 6 am to 8 am and on Christmas Eve as well from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.
Added to this the PCB was clear about further permission to be taken if any sort of crackers would be used on any occasion other than the above-mentioned festivals from the Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts.
The decision for the upcoming festivals is therefore taken in directions with the National Green Tribunal taking into considerations that the bursting of traditional crackers produce immense harmful toxic chemicals which are released to the environment causing severe environmental issues.
India having a few of the most polluted cities in the world is most prone to additional pollution from festivals, having 12 times lax in the air compared to the recent guidelines produced by the World Health Organization.
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