Assam Government rejects NGT's order: Won't ban firecrackers in Diwali

The Assam government has refused to follow NGT's order to ban firecrackers in Diwali

Guwahati: The Government of Assam has decided not to ban firecrackers in Diwali while states like Sikkim, West Bengal, Karnataka and Delhi have decided to put a blanket ban on sale and use of firecrackers to avoid any complications for COVID patients.

Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, the chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had sent notices to 18 states and union territories including Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland to ban firecrackers from November 7 to 30 in order to maintain air quality during Diwali. The NGT issued the notices following a petition filed by Indian Social Responsibility Network, a non-profit organisation.

Following the NGT's order, states like Delhi, Sikkim and other states have already banned firecrackers in Diwali while Assam government on Friday refused to obey NGT's order of banning firecrackers in Diwali.

Assam Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, speaking about ban on firecrackers said, "Bursting of firecrackers would not harm anything. We cannot ban firecrackers during Diwali. People can burst firecrackers which cannot affect the environment but bursting of firecrackers polluting the environment will not be allowed."

"On a personal level, I would insist people opt for non-polluting firecrackers. Instead of banning, we are looking for a solution," the minister was quoted as saying.

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Assam government