Restrictions imposed by Dist administration Cachar during Kali Puja, Diwali & Chhath Puja

Nov. 13: Keerthi Jalli, in her capacity as the District Magistrate of Cachar issued an order in the context of ensuing Kali Puja and Diwali. In the order issued on 13 November, 2020, she stated, “It has made to appear before me that there is every likelihood of bursting crackers/ bombs and other sound producing articles in large scale and dispiary of fireworks in public place and public thoroughfare which may cause incidents of fire, annoyance and/or disturbances to public peace and tranquility.”

The order further specified that anti-social elements taking advantage of high sounding bombs explosive crackers may try to explode damage causing bomb/ grenades etc. during the ensuing Kali Puja, Diwali and Chat Puja. Moreover, the use of sound system with high volume and procession may also result in disturbance to public peace and tranquility. Therefore, for prevention of unlawful activities, District Magistrate, Cachar in exercise of the power conferred on her U/S 144 Cr.P.C. and as per relevant notification from the state Pollution Control Board, Assam, issued the following prohibitory order:

1.  No person shall sale/ purchase /store/ display or burst bombs, crackers or other sound producing fireworks at any public place and thoroughfare with immediate effect. Only green crackers can be sold and bursting is allowed only for two hours during Diwali Festival from 8 P.M. to 10 P.M, during Chatt Puja from 6 A.M. to 8 A.M. and during Christmas and New Year eve from 11.55 P.M. to 12.30 A.M.
2. No person shall manufacture, sell, purchase or use of fire crackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB(Al), or 145 dB (C)pk, at 4 (Four) meters distance from the point of bursting in any public or private places.
3. There shaft be no bursting of fire crackers etc within the silent zone like vicinity of hospitals, nursing home etc.
4. No person shall conduct orchestra, cultural show or take out any procession in without prior permission from the competent authority.
5. No person/ organiser shall use loudspeaker/ microphone without prior permission from the District Magistrate which disturbs peace and tranquility, besides causing noise pollution.
6.  No person shall burst any cracker/ bombs/ other sound producing materials and display any, fireworks during procession and in public places and thoroughfare.
7. No person/ organiser shall use intoxicants materials during the processions.
8. No person shall store or sale or purchase foreign origin fireworks

The order further cautioned that, if anybody or organisation violates the provisions of use of loudspeaker under the relevant Act of 1960 and noise pollution rule of 2000, drastic action would be taken against them as per the penal provision of the said Acts and U/S 138 of Cr.P.C. Considering the circumstances of the matter of the situation and in the public interest these orders are passed ex-parte and directed to public in general. This order comes into force with immediate effect and shall remain valid until further order throughout the district of Cachar.