PCB permits fire crackers within decibel level in Cachar

Nov 10: Pollution Control Board, Assam, Silchar has allowed certain crackers that are within prescribed decibel limits during the upcoming Diwali celebration.

Officials of PCB collected fire crackers from the local markets and after investigation found some fire crackers like stars, rasi, 28 crackers, rocket, snake carton, ground chakkar, sky show (all sizes), rang mahal, stars (all sizes), kit kat (small sizes), colour matches, stars, twinkling torch, paper bomb, colour kati, tarabari, flower posts, etc within the prescribed noise level.

Issuing a letter to the Additional District Magistrate, Magistracy and Administration Branch, Cachar, the Regional Executive Engineer, RLO, Silchar on Monday stated that these fire crackers will be allowed for temporary selling and storage in the markets before and during celebrations of Diwali festival in the district subject to the compliance of terms and conditions as laid down under the Explosives, 2008, Noise Standards as notified by MoEF, Government of India under the Environment Protection 3rd Amendment Rules 2006 and under the Environment Protection Act 1986 maintaining strict compliance of COVID-19 protocols.

It may be mentioned that the Supreme Court passed a judgement way back on July 18, 2015 ordering a complete ban on sound emitting fire crackers from 10 pm to 6 am. The apex court further stated that the manufacture and sale or use of fire crackers generating noise level exceeding 125dB(A1) or 145(C)pk at 4 meters distance from the points of bursting shall be prohibited.