PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Oct 16: The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) has issued a stringent directive restricting the use of firecrackers to two hours on major festivals, in line with the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders.
As per the notification, fireworks on Diwali will be permitted only between 8 PM and 10 PM.
For Chhath Puja, the allowed time is 6 AM to 8 AM, and for Guru Parv, 8 PM to 10 PM.
On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, fireworks may be used for just 35 minutes, from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM.
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Only “green crackers” with sound levels below 125 decibels can be sold in areas where air quality remains within “good” or “satisfactory” limits.
The sale and use of high-decibel or illegal fireworks have been completely banned.
Violators will face action under Section 188 of the IPC and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
District administrations have been directed to set up designated open clusters for firecracker sales.
Vendors must obtain valid licenses and operate only from these approved locations.
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In Ranchi, officials have identified four to five clusters for retail sale.
The board officials emphasized that the move aims to balance festive spirit with public health and environmental safety.
