No bursting of crackers on Diwali in Patna

Bihar government has banned bursting of crackers after 10pm on Diwali, a festival of lights, in Patna district. Patna district magistrate Jitendra Kumar Singh issued the order banning manufacture, sale and use of fireworks, which produce noise from 125 decibel and 145 decibel. "No bursting of crackers is permitted from 10pm on the night of Deepawali," he said.

He asked officials to ban bursting of crackers near hospitals, educational institutions, court premises, religious places and such other areas declared by the administration. Chief minister Nitish Kumar had ordered the steps to be taken by the administration under Environment Protection Act, 1986 and in the light of supreme court's ruling.

The administration also banned sale of crackers in congested markets, narrow lanes and crowded areas. Even licenced fire cracker sellers would not be allowed to sell crackers in public places. They have been restricted to store crackers in residential areas or private houses failing which action would be taken against them, according to official sources.