Kohima, Nov 11 (UNI) The Government of Nagaland has announced a state-wide total ban on sale and use of fire crackers from yesterday, considering the potentially harmful effects of bursting of fire crackers in all parts of the State from November 10, 2020 to January 31, 2021 in public interest.



According to an order from the Home Department stated that the ban has been imposed under Section 22 (2) (h) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and any person found violating this order shall be punished under relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws. The Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner of Police of Dimapur and Superintendents of Police shall take all measures and necessary action to ensure compliance of this order. “There is an increase in number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state and winter season is fast approaching during which the elderly, children, persons with co-morbidities and others develop respiratory problems,” it said, referring to the impending festival season when ‘people usually burn fire crackers,’ the order said.



The ban on fire crackers came in the wake of reports of harmful effects on respiratory health of vulnerable groups caused by release of chemical pollutants from bursting crackers on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups both recovered as well as active COVID-19 patients. Further, the Government said the ban was in view of the surge in COVID cases and the fast approaching winter season during which the elderly, children, persons with co-morbidities and others develop respiratory problems.

UNI AS AND