Gangtok, Nov 6 (PTI) The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Sikkim, has appealed to people to celebrate Deepawali without firecrackers, warning that the release of toxic gases and excessive noise could pose serious risks to public health and the environment.
In a public appeal issued on November 5, the board reminded citizens that the manufacture, sale, use and bursting of all types of firecrackers, including sound-emitting and illuminating varieties, are prohibited across Sikkim under a state government notification dated December 19, 2014.
"The general public is hereby reminded that the Government of Sikkim has prohibited the manufacture, sale, use and bursting of all types of firecrackers within the state of Sikkim," the SPCB said.
The board also urged people to refrain from using prohibited single-use plastic (SUP) items, including plastic decorative products, during the festive season.
Pointing to the environmental consequences of bursting firecrackers, the SPCB said they release harmful pollutants, toxic gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere, besides causing excessive noise pollution.
It cautioned that winter conditions, particularly low temperatures and stagnant air, could prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively, leading to their accumulation close to the ground and worsening air quality.
Children, senior citizens, people with respiratory ailments and animals are particularly vulnerable to such pollution, it said.
The board also raised concern over the open burning of plastic waste, garbage, dry leaves and other discarded materials during winter, saying the practice releases toxic fumes and further deteriorates local air quality.
"Everyone is therefore urged to refrain from burning any kind of waste material," the public appeal stated.
The SPCB called on citizens to opt for traditional and environmentally friendly ways of celebrating the festival by lighting diyas and candles and decorating their homes with lights instead of using firecrackers and plastic products.
It also urged people to ensure proper waste disposal and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.
"Let us join hands to protect public health, safeguard our environment and preserve the natural beauty of Sikkim for future generations," the board said, extending Deepawali greetings to the people of the state.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)