Shillong, Nov 6: The East Khasi Hills district administration has restricted the bursting of firecrackers to specific hours on November 6, 7 and 8 in view of the upcoming Deepawali celebrations.
In an advisory issued by the Office of the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills, the administration stated that firecrackers can be burst only between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm on the three days, in compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court of India.
The administration has also urged residents to use only CSIR-NEERI-certified green crackers to minimise air and noise pollution.
Bursting firecrackers near sensitive locations, including schools, hospitals, dispensaries, old-age homes and children’s homes, has been prohibited.
The advisory further calls for strict adherence to safety precautions. Children should be kept at a safe distance while bursting crackers, while sky crackers must be kept away from tall buildings and trees.
Citizens have also been cautioned against using alcohol-based hand sanitisers while lighting diyas or firecrackers, owing to their inflammable nature. The administration has recommended washing hands with soap and water instead.
Emphasising environmental responsibility, the district administration has asked residents to ensure proper segregation, collection and disposal of festive waste in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules and Plastic Waste Management Rules.
For reporting violations or lodging complaints during the festive period, residents can contact the Police Control Room at 0364-2215427, 100 or 6009196479.
The administration has appealed to the public to celebrate Deepawali responsibly while ensuring public safety, environmental protection and peaceful festivities.
