Traders in Guwahati flout rules, sell noise-polluting crackers

GUWAHATI: The state pollution control board’s order against selling and bursting of firecrackers emitting more than 125 decibel (dB) sound on Diwali was violated right under the nose of the district administration in Guwahati on Monday, even after it had assigned 21 magistrates to ensure enforcement of the directions.
The sale of sub-standard firecrackers along with green ones continued in the city on the occasion of Diwali on Monday. Several teams, comprising officials of the police, district administration and state pollution control board, conducted inspection in the city markets. However, a section of traders were found selling firecrackers that violated the prescribed standards.
On October 11, the Assam pollution control board (PCB) had written to the district commissioners to ensure the enforcement of the apex court directives.