Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday clarified that the decision to ban firecrackers was a 'suo moto' decision by the Pollution Control Board (PCB). He said that the entire issue is being reviewed keeping in mind the people's sentiments.

Earlier, bursting and sale of all kinds of crackers, except the green ones, were banned by the PCB. The decision was taken in light of the upcoming Diwali festival, in line with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Arup Kumar Misra, PCB chairman had told TOI that all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police had been directed by the pollution control body to implement the order. They had also been advised to stop the sale of firecrackers and apprehend the rule-breakers. A daily report of the action taken was to be submitted to the board.

Celebrating people were given some respite in that, bursting of green crackers within a two-hour period in Diwali was allowed.

Bursting crackers on Diwali every year shoots up air pollution levels, taking winter pollution levels to its peak.

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