Nagaland: Dimapur bans use of firecrackers in ‘silence zone’

DIMAPUR: The Nagaland government declared that no fireworks or bursting of firecrackers would be allowed in ‘silence zones’ ~ an area at least 100 metres away from hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district healthcare centres, educational institutions, courts and religious places.

In an order issued on Wednesday, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan informed that only crackers with reduced emission (improved crackers) and green crackers will be permitted to be used, and sold through licensed traders.

“On festival days like Diwali, Gurupurab, etc., when fireworks generally are used, the same will be allowed strictly till 10 p.m. only and not beyond. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when such fireworks start around midnight i.e. 12 a.m., it would be permitted from 11:55 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. only”, read the order.

“The manufacture, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) are hereby banned as the same cause huge air noise and solid waste problems. Fireworks containing barium salts are also banned”, the order stated.