SC Directive On Noise Pollution During Diwali, Crackers From 8 pm to 10 pm!

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Since October 23, 2018 there has been a standing directive from the Supreme Court of India, in a writ petition, regarding implementation of laws for controlling noise and air pollution from noise generated from activities such as bursting fire-crackers. The apex court directed that on Dipawali days fireworks would strictly be from 8 pm till 10 pm only. Will the restriction be followed?

The Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA), as per Supreme Court directive, has forwarded the guidelines for monitoring of noise and air pollution during Diwali 2019 to the Deputy Commissioners of all districts.

The PCBA will carry out ambient air quality monitoring on pre-Diwali on October 21 and on the Diwali day, which is on October 27 in certain locations at Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Tezpur, Silchar and Bongaigaon. In addition to the general parameters like PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and metals (Pb, Ni and As in PM10), selected metals like (Pb, Ni, As, Al, Ba, Fe, Sr in PM2.5) are required to be monitored to assess the impact of firecracker bursting.

The protocol for ambient noise monitoring is to be carried out on a routine basis or to address public complaints. The objective is to monitor noise level at a particular site. The manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB(Al) or 145 dB(C)pk at 4 metre distance from the points of bursting is prohibited. Also, during the Diwali days, bursting of firecrackers is strictly restricted to 8 pm till 10 pm only.

The PCBA officials shall carry out an inspection on commercial stockists of firecrackers to stop the use of such crackers at their sources and depute an officer of magistrate rank to accompany with the monitoring team. All the Deputy Commissioners are directed to carry out the directives of the Supreme Court without fail and in case of violation of standards, board officials of the PCBA may be contacted.

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