GUWAHATI, Nov 9 - While banning firecrackers in all cities and towns where the ambient air quality during November falls under the category �poor� and above, the National Green Tribunal today said that in places where the air quality is �moderate� only green crackers should be used.
The air quality in Guwahati is generally �moderate�. However, on two particular days during the month, the air quality had deteriorated further and was categorised as �poor�.
According to an NGT order, the cities and towns where air quality is �moderate� or below, only green crackers can be sold and the timings for use and bursting of crackers should be restricted to two hours during festivals like Diwali, Chatt, New Year/Christmas Eve etc., as may be specified by the state concerned. The NGT order is on the lines of the direction given by the Supreme Court and is being applied to areas moderately polluted.
If nothing is specified by the state concerned, then timing will be 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and Gurupurb, 6 am to 8 am on Chatt and 11.55 pm to 12.30 am during Christmas and New Year�s eve (which have yet to come and do not fall in November but if ban continues) and not otherwise.
All states have been advised to initiate special drives to contain air pollution from all sources in view of potential of aggravation of Covid-19.
�The chief secretaries and DGPs of all the states may issue and circulate an appropriate order in above terms with appropriate enforcement guidelines,� the NGT order stated.
The Government of Assam has not yet issued any order on the use of firecrackers during the festive season.
Official sources said the Pollution Control Board, Assam today submitted a report to the State government regarding the air quality in the towns and cities.
�Details of the air and noise pollution during last Diwali and the air quality this month have been submitted to the State government which will issue the order on restrictions if any. We expect an order by tomorrow evening,� the sources said.
Of the 122 non-attainment towns and cities in the country in terms of pollution level, five are in Assam � Guwahati, Nagaon, Silchar, Sivasagar and Nalbari. The air quality in Guwahati and Nagaon continues to be moderate.
