AGARTALA, Oct 3 (TIWN): In another good news for the city, the highest permissible sound limit for fire crackers in the state is been fixed at 90 decibel at 5 metres in a public place on the occasion of Diwali / Laxmi puja.

The association  have prohibited citizens from bursting fire crackers in public places including the streets this Laxmi puja, as it exposes residents and commuters to noise, air pollution and the risk of injury.

The order will be enforced in the city and suburbs. The police have also put a blanket ban on bursting of crackers between 10 pm and 6 am.

The order includes a ban on the use of rockets, apti bombs (thrown downwards), Chain crackers,7 shots, kali potka, chocolate bomb or big crackers which exceed 21 grams in weight as well as those that create a shuttering noise.

Crackers which exceed the noise decibel level of 90 db are prohibited; the order is enforceable till Diwali.

The police will also be adhering to the guidelines handed down by the Supreme Court in 2005, direct all states to work towards controlling the spurt in noise pollution during festivals. The directions were given while deciding the plea filed by the Forum, Prevention of Environment and Sound Pollution. There shall be a complete ban on bursting sound emitting firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am. However, there is no restriction on bursting of colour/light emitting firecrackers.

Unfortunately, every year, the quantum of air and noise pollution caused due to the bursting of firecrackers increases on Diwali.

Firecrackers release pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide etc in the air, which causes ailments like asthma and bronchitis. Not only the elderly and patients in hospitals, but animals and birds are also affected due to air and noise pollution

However, shockingly, the direction is openly flouted every year as firecrackers are being burst throughout the night and causing excessive noise and air pollution.