The government of Sikkim has issued a ban on fireworks. The order came from Office of Special Director General of Police, Law and Order.
The following are the key points mentioned in the order.
- The COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in more than 50,00,000 deaths worldwide. Which includes 375 plus Sikkimese who have lost their lives so far.
- According to the Health and Medical Authorities, the COVID-19 infection gravely impacts the respiratory tract of humans which can subsequently lead to cardiovascular and other complications even after testing negative.
- Fireworks result in the production and release and poisonous gases in the atmosphere which cause severe air pollution. These gases are extremely hazardous for human health.
- The pandemic is a time when the respiratory system of huge number of people has already been compromised, further intake of the toxic gases released from bursting of firecrackers is likely to aggravate multiple respiratory distress disorders.
- Considering all the factors and keeping public health and safety in mind, office of the Chief Secretary had issued an order last year Diwali to ban bursting of fire crackers in the State of Sikkim, which continues to be in force till date.
- Also a previous rule prohibiting the manufacture, sale, use and bursting of all types of fire crackers exists in the state since 2014.
- Keeping public interest in mind, all SPS/SDPOs/SHOs of PS are hereby directed to enforce the order of the government strictly in letter and spirit.
- SHOs are further instructed to initiate public announcement campaigns in their jurisdiction to educate the public for eliciting support and cooperation in implementation of this ban.
- Strict vigil of shops suspected of selling firecrackers illegally will be conducted and firecrackers seized as per law.
- Festivals where firecrackers are likely to be burst include Diwali, Losoong, Chaat Puja, New Year as well as some social and political events.
- All officers are directed to ensure strict enforcement of the ban uniformly across all communities of the state so that no complaint of any partiality or favoritism are received from any section of society.
- Cooperation from various local communities is requested regarding the smooth enforcement of this order.
In the start of this month, Sikkim had announced a complete ban on sale of packaged drinking water from the beginning of next year.
