Rush for earthen lamps, banana plantains to celebrate Diwali in Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Responding to the State government and NGOs' appeal to 'say no to firecrackers', the people of the State rushed to environment-friendly earthen lamps and banana plantains on Saturday to celebrate Diwali. Thus 'Green Diwali' is becoming reality in Assam, thanks to environment consciousness of the people of the State.

The Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) banned both sale and use of all forms of firecrackers in Guwahati. It allowed 'green crackers' outside Guwahati for two hours only. This order is meant for Chhath Puja, Christmas and the New Year as well.

The appeal from the State government to the people of the State two shun firecrackers has some valid reasons, and the most important among them is the ill-effect of fumes to be emitted by firecrackers on corona patients who are supposed to have breathing and other lung problems.

Earthen lamps were sold in Guwahati from Re 1 to Rs 10 per piece (local made) and from Rs 10-250 per piece (those from Kolkata). Each pair of plantain was sold at Rs 100-300.

Also Read: Celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights