Shopian, Jul 06: Authorities in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have prohibited the bursting of firecrackers after 10 p.m. for the next two months, citing concerns over public safety, noise pollution and possible disruption to security operations.
In an order issued on Monday under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), District Magistrate Shishir Gupta said the restriction had been imposed with immediate effect to prevent public nuisance and maintain law and order.
The order prohibits the bursting of all kinds of fireworks, including firecrackers, aerial fireworks and series crackers, anywhere within the territorial jurisdiction of Shopian district after 10 p.m.
The administration said late-night firecracker bursts generate sudden, high-intensity noise that can cause panic, disturb public tranquillity and create confusion among security forces deployed in the district for maintaining law and order, particularly during anti-terror operations.
It also cited health concerns, saying noise pollution caused by fireworks can lead to respiratory distress, cardiovascular complications and sleep deprivation, while adversely affecting elderly people, infants, patients and students.
The district administration said the restrictions were in line with directives of the Supreme Court of India and the Central Pollution Control Board, which have prescribed time limits on the use of firecrackers to curb noise and air pollution.
The order will remain in force for two months unless withdrawn earlier or extended through a subsequent order.
Any violation of the order will invite penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable provisions of law, the order said.
The administration said the order was being issued ex parte in view of its emergent nature and would be publicised through official notice boards as well as print and electronic media.
