DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 9 (MExN): The Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) has urged people in the state to celebrate Christmas and New Year in an eco-friendly way and save the environment from pollution.
A press release from the NPCB informed that it had via a notification on April 27, 2016 observed that fire crackers are widely used during the festive seasons like Diwali, Chhath Puja, Christmas, New Year, Weddings, and Birthdays etc. Fire crackers emit noise and gas during bursting and the Government of India under the Noise (Regulation and Control of Pollution) Rule, 2000 had laid down certain rules in order to regulate noise so that people are least disturbed.
It informed that the Deputy Commissioner is the authority to implement the said rule; bursting of crackers during night time i.e. 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM is not permitted; and that fire crackers above 125 decibels are banned.
In addition to the above Rules, the Nagaland Pollution Control Board under Section 31 A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Section 8 of The Noise (Regulation and Control of Pollution) Rule, 2000 directed that if there is to be firework; prior permission has to be taken from the concerned administration who shall give permission to carry out the firework specifying the time and place for the purpose (away from the hospitals, schools, residential areas).
In addition, wide publicity shall be given prior to the event to avoid panic to the people in the vicinity and to maintain congenial environment, prevent annoyance, disturbance, and discomfort to the public.
The NPCB stated that bursting of crackers is primarily responsible for an increase in concentration of dust and pollutants. The fine dust that settles after bursting crackers is rich in pollutants like oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, metal dust and organic pollutants.
It further causes noise pollution, air pollution, is a fire hazard and contributes to accumulation of garbage. The NPCB pointed out that the sound of firecrackers can also be traumatic to pets.
Further, it informed that fumes that the levels of various chemicals used in making fire crackers are injurious to respiratory passages.
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