Bursting crackers allowed only between 8 to 10 pm, loudspeakers restricted; DC Keerthi Jalli issues guidelines

In an order issued by deputy commissioner Keerthi Jalli, it is mentioned that it has been made appear before her that there is every likelihood of bursting crackers/bombs and other sound-producing large and display of fireworks in a public place and public thoroughfare.

“And whereas such bursting crackers and display of fireworks tend to cause an incident of fire, annoyance and/or injury to the public or damages to human life, wealth or disturbances to public peace and tranquility,” states the order.

The observation shared in the order includes, there is every likelihood of attempts to create a disturbance or damage Public/Private Properties or cause injury to the public in general by use of bombs, crackers, and other sound-producing articles and also antisocial elements including militants taking advantage of high sounding bombs explosive crackers and in the name of crackers may try to explode damage-causing bomb/ grenades etc. during the Kali Puja, Diwali and Chatt Puja festivals, 2020.

And whereas usage of a microphone with high volume and procession of the vehicle tends to cause annoyance and injury to the persons/pedestrians or suffering or disturbance to public peace and tranquillity.

Jalli’s letter states, “In my opinion that there is sufficient ground for the apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquillity due to the above-mentioned activities.”

She adds, “Now, therefore for prevention of unlawful activities, in the exercise of the power conferred on me U/S 144 Cr.P.C. and as per Notification vide No. W13/G-1592 /20-21/65/909. dated 10-11-2020 issued from Pollution Control Board, Assam, Guwahati, Keerthi Jalli, IAS, District Magistrate, Cachar do hereby order as follows:”

The Guidelines are:

1) No person shall sell/ purchase /store/ display or burst bombs, crackers or other sound-producing fireworks at any public place and thoroughfare with immediate effect.

Only green crackers can be sold and bursting is allowed only for two hours during Diwali Festival from 8 P.M. to 10 PM, during Chatt Puja from 6 A.M. to 8 A.M. and Christmas and New year eve from 11.55 P.M. to 12.30 A.M.

2) No person shall manufacture, sell, purchase, or use fire crackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB(Al). or 145 dB (C) at four meters distance from the point of bursting in any public or private places.

3) There shall be no bursting of firecrackers etc within the silent zone like vicinity of hospitals, nursing home etc.

4) No person shall conduct orchestra, cultural show or take out any procession in without prior permission from the competent authority.

5) No person/organiser shall use loudspeaker/microphone without prior permission from the District Magistrate which disturbs peace and tranquillity. Besides causing noise pollution

6) No person shall burst any cracker/bombs/other sound-producing materials and display fireworks during the procession and in public places and thoroughfare.

7) No person/organiser shall use intoxicants materials during the processions.

8) No person shall store or sell or purchase foreign origin fireworks

The order warns, “It has been cautioned that if anybody or organisation violates the provisions of the use of loudspeaker under the relevant Act of 1960 and noise pollution rule of 2000, drastic action would be taken against them as per the penal provision of the said Acts and U/S 188 of Cr.P.C ”

It concludes, “Considering the circumstances of the matter of the situation and in the public interest these orders are passed ex-parte and directed to the public in general. This order comes into force with immediate effect and shall remain valid until further order throughout the district of Cachar.”