Assam=> Ban on crackers

What is the news?

=> Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) put restrictions on bursting of crackers during Diwali and other forthcoming festivals.

=> Citing National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives, the PCBA in a notification has banned all types of firecrackers in Assam and has allowed only green crackers for two hours on Diwali (from 8 pm to 10 pm) and Chhath Puja (6 am to 8 am) and from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am on Christmas and New Year eve.

=> Other than these festivals, prior permission will be required from the deputy commissioners for using green crackers.

=> Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is not happy with the restrictions imposed by the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) and said the government will “review the matter afresh”.

Pollution Control Board The Central Pollution Control Board:

=> CPCB is a statutory organisation which was constituted in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

=> It's duty is to minimise environmental pollution.

=> It has been given some more powers under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

=> Section 4 of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 mandated for State level pollution control board in every state.

=> Following this Pollution Control Board of Assam has been established.