Assam Pollution Control Board: Ban on firecrackers remains in force; no fresh order will be issued

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• Nov 1, 2021 | moderator

Lately, the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) made it clear that no fresh order will be issued regarding the ban on firecrackers. They stated that the earlier order would remain in force.

"No fresh order will be issued. This order will remain in force. The Supreme Court also restates the ban," the official stated.

On October 22, the PCBA had forced a total ban on the bursting and sale of firecrackers to control air pollution throughout the Dipawali festival in the state.

However, three days later, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the government would evaluate the PCBA's order keeping people's sentiments in mind'.

Cm Sarma stated that the PCBA circulated the order without 'any discussion' with the state government.

This statement brought a contrasting remark made by PCBA and the state government regarding the use and selling of firecrackers. Confusion prevails after the chief minister's statement as people are ready to celebrate the Dipawali.

On October 29, the Supreme Court clarified that there was no complete ban on the usage of firecrackers. However, government only banned fireworks with barium salts. Fireworks with barium mixtures produce more smoke when they burn.

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The court stated that there is no complete ban on the use of firecrackers.

Prominently, the state government is yet to announce any directive in this concern.

"We have not got any direction from the government," Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu informed. According to the Supreme Court's direction, the administration can allow the people to burst green crackers throughout a two-hour window.

Moreover, Guwahati Commissioner of Police Harmeet Singh made it clear that the administration will abide by all the guidance provided by the state government.

"Till now we have not received any direction from the government. We will follow what the government says," Singh stated.

People are still struggling to decide how big they can plan to celebrate the festival without proper government guidelines.