Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured that the decision to ban firecrackers on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Deepawali is under review and an appropriate decision would be taken keeping the people’s sentiments in mind.
CM Sarma clarifies cracker ban decision
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Twitter to clarify the stance of the Assam government with respect to the total ban imposed on the purchase and sale of firecrackers ahead of the Hindu festival of Deepawali.
On this occasion, the CM pointed out that the Assam Pollution Control Board (PCB) had unilaterally taken the decision and issued suo moto orders banning the sale of firecrackers along with other restrictions. He also highlighted that the Assam government hadn’t been consulted by the Board before passing the orders.
He assured citizens that the entire decision is being reviewed afresh and a holistic view of the issue is being taken in the matter. He further stated that the people’s sentiments would be kept in mind by the government while arriving at a decision.
Firecracker ban in Assam
Earlier, reports had emerged stating that the BJP government in Assam had placed a total ban on the purchase and sale of firecrackers. As per available information, the Assam PCB passed orders stating all crackers except green crackers wouldn’t be allowed in the state. This is said to be in accordance with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order to ‘curb pollution’.
The Assam PCB has ordered the administration and police officers to ensure the implementation of the ban as well as to punish the offenders. PCB has asked the state police to initiate action to stop the supply of crackers. The police and administration have to furnish daily reports to the PCB.
It must be mentioned here that in September Uttar Pradesh Ballia district District Magistrate IAS officer Aditi Singh has effectively banned Hindu festivals by imposing section 144 for the next two months. As many Hindu festivals like Navratri, Bhai Dhooj, and Diwali are approaching in these two months, the move has been widely criticized. On the other hand, the Delhi government has shown the way for other state governments by enforcing a complete ban on “storage, sale, and use of firecrackers”.
