GUWAHATI, Oct 24 - With a view to ensuring a Diwali free of pollution and that rules framed by the Supreme Court with regard to use of firecrackers are adhered to, the Kamrup Metro district administration will constitute a team of officials to check and inspect commercial stocks of firecrackers.
The administration has also appealed to citizens to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner and asked educational institutions, NGOs and resident welfare associations (RWAs) to take the lead in sensitising the people in this regard.
�In a writ petition in July 2005 the Supreme Court had given an elaborate judgement regarding implementation of laws for controlling noise generated from firecrackers and other such items. Moreover, in its judgement dated July 18, 2005, it had directed that there shall be a complete ban on bursting sound-emitting firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am. Further, the manufacture, sale or use of firecrackers generating noise level exceeding 125 decibels is prohibited,� Kamrup Metro District Magistrate Dr M Angamuthu said.
He said that a team with officials from the district administration, Police, GMC and Pollution Control Board will be constituted to check and inspect commercial stocks of firecrackers to stop the use of such crackers at the source.
Dr Angamuthu said that �Right to Peaceful Sleep� is a fundamental right of every citizen of the country.
�Considering this, the Supreme Court of India has banned bursting of crackers after 10 pm during the Diwali festival. There is a decibel limit fixed for firecrackers at a maximum of 125 dB under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has banned firecrackers of more than 125 dB. We are committed to ensuring that rules are adhered to, but for that we need the cooperation of every citizen,� he added.
Further, the district administration has appealed to citizens to adopt eco and environment friendly ways and means to celebrate Diwali. �Appeal is made to all to celebrate Diwali in a traditional manner respecting Mother Earth with earthen lamps and diyas and avoid using items like electrical bulbs,� said Dr Angamuthu.
The administration has asked people in the city to use eco-friendly local crackers and natural colours, ensure that sound pollution limits are not violated and to be careful about concentration of chemicals in the air, besides avoiding materials made of plastic and polythene.
People have been asked to go to the nearest hospitals for treatment in case of any emergency. It has also asked citizens to dispose the waste materials in a segregated manner and assist the GMC in disposing such materials.
�Schools are advised to sensitise children and staff about harmful effects of firecrackers so that they use safer alternatives like lights and flowers to celebrate Diwali. Heads of schools should personally address the school assembly in order to dissuade children from using firecrackers,� said Dr Angamuthu.
He said rallies by NGOs or citizens to sensitise the public about the ill-effects of firecrackers will be encouraged.
With a view to encouraging citizens to adopt green practices during the festival, the district administration has decided to give recognition to the best RWA which encourages celebration of Diwali in an eco-friendly manner. �Students, parents and RWAs should take the pledge to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner,� Dr Angamuthu said.