SHOPIAN, Jul 6 (KNS) : Authorities in South Kashmir's Shopian district on Monday ordered a complete ban on bursting of firecrackers after 10 PM, asserting that late-night explosions were not only causing severe health distress but also interfering with anti-terror operations by triggering confusion among security forces.
District Magistrate Shishir Gupta (IAS) in an order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, said the prohibition would remain in force for two months with immediate effect. The directive came amid growing complaints from residents, particularly the elderly, infants, and patients, who have been facing respiratory issues, cardiovascular complications, and sleep disorders due to sudden high-intensity noise.
The administration also flagged operational challenges for security personnel, stating that the loud bursts create panic and "undue alarm" among troops deployed for maintaining public order, thereby affecting their alertness and efficiency during night hours.
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"Such bursting at late night constitutes public nuisance and poses an apprehended danger to the peace, order, and security of the area, which cannot be remedied by ordinary penal provisions as they require immediate preventive action," the order read.
The DM said the decision was also in line with Supreme Court directives and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines mandating strict time restrictions on firecrackers.
The order, issued ex-parte given its emergent nature, has been widely circulated through print and electronic media and displayed on notice boards across all subordinate offices. Any violation will invite penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, officials warned. (KNS)