Noise limit of firecrackers raised to 125 decibel in West Bengal; govt ban on non-green crackers to continue

However, the restrictions imposed on the timings to burst crackers on Diwali, Chhath Puja, Christmas and New Years’ Eve remain in place, officials of the PCB clarified. The ban on the sale and bursting of non-green firecrackers will also continue in the state.

An official of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (PCB) said, “Our state was the sole exception so it has been decided to increase the upper limit.” As per the PCB, use of firecrackers within 100 metre radius of any silence zone, even if it is within the 125 decibel limit, is strictly prohibited.

The PCB said firecrackers shall be within 125 decibel and the light emitting green firecrackers shall be within 90 decibel measured at a distance of 4 metre from the point of bursting.

All boxes and packets of green firecrackers should mandatorily have a verifiable QR code to ascertain the veracity of the same by the law enforcement agencies and the users. The District Magistrates and Commissioners of Police or Superintendents of Police shall implement the aforesaid directions, the PCB said.

With the PCB increasing the upper limit, many firecrackers, such as chocolate bombs, which used to be otherwise sold illegally, may once again be available in the markets.

Meanwhile, manufacturers of green crackers have welcomed the step by the state government.

Babla Roy, the chairman of Sara Bangla Atasbaji Unnyan Samiti said, “West Bengal produces and manufactures the best quality fireworks but because it was limited to 90 decibel, we were unable to produce several firecrackers. The fireworks business in West Bengal stands at Rs 6,000 crore. Earlier, people used to buy firecrackers worth Rs 5,000 crore from outside. With the new notification, the entire Rs 6,000 crore of manufacturing will be done in West Bengal and the revenue earned out of it will go to the government.”

As per the firecracker manufacturers, in 1996, the Kolkata High Court had passed an order making 90 decibel the maximum permissible limit.

Roy said, “I challenged it in the Supreme Court. The High Court then ordered a committee for detailed research headed by three bodies — the National Defence Academy, National Pollution Control Board and the Central Physical Laboratories — for a record of two years.”

He added, “In the report, the Physical Laboratories said 135 decibel, National Defence Academy said 145 decibel and the Pollution Control board said 125 decibel on the ground are not harmful for human beings, animals and birds.”

“Following this, the Supreme Court fixed the maximum limit at 125 decibel, which is applicable across the country, barring West Bengal, which had fixed 90 decibel as the maximum permissible limit. Those who had represented West Bengal back then, fixed it to 90 decibel. Seven PILs in the court and the National Green Tribunal were filed but the government couldn’t be convinced. Ultimately, this year, the limit has been raised to 125 decibel which is at par with rest of the country,” said Roy.

However, according to environmental activists, there are no factories in West Bengal that produce green firecrackers. A section of environmentalist in the state are disappointed by the decision.

On condition of anonymity, a noted environmentalist said, “What was the need to suddenly increase the maximum limit? Many people have lost their lives in the state due to misuse of fireworks. These guidelines are meant to appease the firecracker manufacturers and the industry.”

When can you burst crackers on the occasions in West Bengal

In West Bengal, green firecrackers can be sold and burst only for two hours on Diwali from 8 pm to 10 pm, during Chhath Puja from 6 am to 8 am and 35 minutes on Christmas and New Year’s Eve from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am.

As per the PCB, for the above specified festivals, prior permission of the District Magistrates/Commissions of Police/ Superintendents of Police shall be required for use of only green firecrackers for a limited period.