Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) has issued circular to all district collectors and Superintendents of Police of State, it has been directed to ban the fire crackers manufacturing and their sale, if they produce sound more than the specification of noise pollution.

Circular has been issued in context to the upcoming Diwali festival. It has also been directed that it during Diwali festival, it should not mount to contempt of National Green Tribunal (NGT) decision.

The circular states that the fire-crackers should not be burst from 10.00 pm to 6.00 am period. The fire-crackers busting should be from normally 6.00 am to10.00 pm.

The fire-crackers should not be used near the school, hospital, court, religious places like highly sensitive areas and around these organisations should not be burst even at 100 metres periphery. All the students of schools and other educational institutions should be made aware of the side-effects of excess noise pollution, which includes air pollution after burning the fire-crackers. Awareness campaign can be launched for public awareness with school children.

Districts should also monitor the sound and air pollution limits during the festival season. The monitoring should be also done through the Eco-Clubs constituted by CECB in the schools. The analysis of the sound and air pollution before the festival, during the festival and after the festival is done.

As per NGT order, Bhopal-based Central Regional Bench issued on April 18, 2016, under Court and Noise Pollution Rules 2000, District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police or any other officer, to the cadre of minimum deputy collector or Assistant SP, will  be considered as responsible for quality of noise and air monitoring.