Dimapur: Police have restricted firecracker sales and use during the festive season to approved green crackers.In an advisory issued on Thursday, Dimapur police commissioner Aotula T Imchen said only reduced-emission crackers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (Peso) would be permitted.The advisory applies to Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Niuland districts and aims to curb air and noise pollution and protect public safety. Citing Supreme Court directions, it stressed the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, including protection from air and noise pollution.Only crackers manufactured, marked, tested and approved under applicable laws and Peso requirements may be sold or used. Bursting will be permitted from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and other festivals, including Gurpurab. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the permitted window will be from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am.Crackers containing prohibited or hazardous chemicals, including barium salts, strontium chromate, lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead and mercury, are banned. Excessive or non-compliant aluminium content is also prohibited.The advisory urged residents to opt for organised community firecracker displays at designated open grounds. Officers-in-charge have been directed to inspect markets, monitor compliance and penalise violations under the law.
