Mizoram To Ban Bursting Of Firecrackers On Christmas, New Year

Aizawl: The Mizoram government has decided to ban the bursting of firecrackers on Christmas and New Year to curb air pollution which could aggravate respiratory problems of COVID-19 patients and others, an official said on Tuesday. The decision in this regard was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Home Minister Lachamliana on Monday (November 23), he said. Apart from firecrackers, the use of sky lanterns and other pyrotechnics including toy guns has also been banned, the official said.

Also Read: 168 Churches In Mizoram Offer Halls To Be Used For Quarantine Facility

Prohibitory orders in this regard will be issued by deputy commissioners, he said. During the meeting, it was also decided to set up special police checkpoints and conduct mobile patrolling during the festive season, the official said.
Apart from the police, COVID-19 local task force volunteers will be roped in for the purpose, he said. Bursting of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials is a widespread practice during the festive season in the Christian-majority state.

The state government had earlier banned firecrackers to enable people to celebrate the festival in a peaceful manner but this year the administration is more concerned about pollution in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

State Health and Family Welfare Board Vice Chairman Dr Z R Thiamsanga said this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations are likely to be subdued due to the COVID-19outbreak. The government is unlikely to allow congregational singing called ‘Zaikhawm’ or community feasts, integral parts of the festivities along with church service, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the disease, he said.

Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana will convene a meeting during the day to deliberate on coronavirus-related issues in view of the festive season, he added. The state has so far reported 3,710 COVID-19 cases, of which 452 are active.

Also Read: Ahead Of Diwali, States Ban Firecrackers Due To Air Pollution, Rising COVID-19 Cases

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.