Ban on sale of firecrackers by PCB; Assam CM assures to review the entire issue

Oct. 25: Only green crackers can be sold in the State, and bursting is allowed only for two hours during Diwali, that is from 8 pm to 10 pm. This was stated in an order which was passed by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) of Assam on 22 of October. However, the decision was resented by many netizens in social media platforms.

Reacting to this, Assam Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the Pollution Control Board (PCB) of Assam has issued the order suo moto, without consulting it with the state government. He assured to review the entire issue afresh. Taking to his twitter handle, CM Assam wrote, “Assam Pollution Control Board has, reportedly, suo motu, without any consultation with Govt, issued an order banning sale of firecrackers & other restrictions. We’ve taken note of this. The entire issue is being reviewed afresh, holistically, keeping people’s sentiments in mind.”

Assam Pollution Control Board has, reportedly, suo motu, without any consultation with Govt, issued an order banning sale of firecrackers & other restrictions.
We’ve taken note of this. The entire issue is being reviewed afresh, holistically, keeping people’s sentiments in mind.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 25, 2021

Earlier, the order by PCB stated that only Green crackers are to be used for the upcoming festivals, including Diwali. The guidelines published by the pollution control board stated that there will be a complete ban on selling and bursting of any traditional firecrackers except green crackers until further notice. As regards time of bursting green crackers PCB stated that only green crackers can be sold in the State, and bursting is allowed only for two hours during Diwali, that is from 8 pm to 10 pm. Meanwhile, during Chhath Puja, bursting firecrackers will be allowed from 6 AM to 8 AM, and during Christmas and New year’s eve from 11.55 PM to 12.30 AM.

The Board also specified that apart from the time stipulated for bursting green crackers on Diwali, Chhath and Christmas, further permission should be taken if any sort of crackers would be used on any occasion from the Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts.

Also Read: Bursting of only green crackers allowed for just 2 hours during Diwali in Assam: PCB