Pollution Control Board orders firecracker ban in Guwahati

Guwahati: The Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) has ordered a complete ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Guwahati till the end of this month, including on Diwali, to curb pollution amid the COVID- 19 pandemic.
The decision has been taken in view of high pollution in the city with the air quality being in the “ poor ” category, the board said in an order on Tuesday.
“ There will be a total ban against sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in the Guwahati city from midnight of November 9-10, 2020 to the midnight of November 30-December 1, 2020, to be reviewed thereafter ,” the order said.
In areas other than Guwahati, only green crackers have been allowed for two hours on Diwali — from 8 pm to 10 pm.
On Chhath, firecrackers can be burst from 6 am to 8 am, and 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on Christmas and New Year’s eve, the order said.
“The District Magistrates and Commissioners/ Superintendents of Police shall implement the aforesaid directions. Daily Action Taken Reports to be submitted to the Pollution Control Board, Assam,” it added.