Diwali 2024 Rules and Regulations in Sonitpur: Restrictions on Sound-Creating Firecrackers and More

The Office of the District Magistrate, Sonitpur, Tezpur has issued a set of stringent rules and regulations for Diwali 2024. These measures are aimed at curbing sound pollution and ensuring public safety during the festival, in light of potential misuse of high-sound firecrackers.

Sound Limitations and Time Restrictions

1. Sale and Use Restrictions: Firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 decibel (A1) or 145 decibel (C) at a distance of four meters are strictly prohibited.
2. Bursting Time: Sound-creating firecrackers are only permitted to be burst between 8 PM and 10 PM.

Designated Silence Zones

1. Restricted Areas: Use of firecrackers is banned within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, religious institutions, courts, and public gathering areas.
2. Sensitive and Fire-Prone Areas: No firecrackers are to be used within 100 meters of fuel pumps, army camps, godowns, electrical transformers, and posts.

Sales Regulations

1. Roadside Selling: Selling firecrackers on public roads is banned except in designated areas.
2. Wholesale and Retail Licensing:
   • Wholesale traders are prohibited from selling in retail without a separate license.
   • Temporary retail license holders can only purchase firecrackers from licensed wholesale sellers.
   • Wholesale firecracker sellers must maintain a register of temporary license holders who purchase crackers.

Storage and Safety Precautions

1. Storage Requirements: Firecrackers must be stored in non-flammable material sheds, secured against unauthorized access.
2. Lighting Restrictions: No oil lamps, gas lamps, or naked flames are allowed in or around storage sheds. Electrical lights must be fixed and not suspended by flexible wires, with switches rigidly fixed to the walls.
3. Display Restrictions: Display of fireworks is prohibited within fifty meters of any shed.
4. Shop Clusters: No more than fifty shops are permitted in one cluster.

Enforcement and Penalties

These regulations are enforced with immediate effect and will remain until further notice. Violations will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sangita (BNS), 2023.

The order underscores the necessity to control sound pollution and prevent any public disturbances, ensuring that Diwali is celebrated in a peaceful and safe manner for everyone in Tezpur.