Shopian, July 6 (JKNS): The District administration Shopian, has imposed a ban on the bursting of firecrackers after 10:00 PM across the district for a period of two months, citing concerns over public safety, noise pollution and disruption to security operations.
According to an order issued by District Magistrate Shishir Gupta, IAS, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the restriction has been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, with immediate effect.
The order states that the bursting of firecrackers late at night has been causing severe noise pollution, leading to health issues such as respiratory distress, cardiovascular complications and sleep deprivation, besides creating inconvenience for elderly persons, infants, patients and students.
It further notes that sudden high-intensity explosions often create panic and confusion among security forces engaged in anti-terror operations, adversely affecting their operational efficiency and response during night hours.
The District Magistrate observed that such activities disturb public tranquillity and pose an apprehended threat to peace and public order, necessitating immediate preventive measures. The order also refers to the directions of the Supreme Court of India and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which mandate time restrictions on the use of firecrackers.
Under the order, all kinds of fireworks, including aerial fireworks and series crackers (laris), have been prohibited after 10:00 PM throughout the territorial jurisdiction of Shopian district.
The order, issued ex-parte in view of the emergent situation, warns that any violation will invite penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, besides other relevant provisions of law.
The administration has directed that the order be widely publicised through print, electronic media and official notice boards for information of the general public. (JKNS)