Himanta Biswa Sarma says No Restrictions on Firecrackers Despite Ban

Assam’s Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that there would be no restrictions on bursting of firecrackers on Diwali as Hindus have the right to celebrate, despite the police announcing a ban in certain areas. He, however, urged the people to exercise self- restraint amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a tweet.

In an order issued by the Guwahati central police prohibiting the use of fireworks and bursting of crackers within 500 metres radius from the Guwahati Refinery in Noonmati area of the city, Oil India pumping stations and Oil pipelines in the district. The order, which comes into force with immediate effect, also prohibits fireworks in the ”Silence Zone” areas of the central district. Only use of green firecrackers are allowed in non- prohibited areas between 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali night as per the orders of the Supreme Court, Rajveer said.

According to an order issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), 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.