Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Mawprem Circle is pushing the East Khasi Hills district administration to clamp down on firecracker use this Diwali. Leaders Badonkupar Nongbri and Pynshngaiñ Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi sent a formal letter to Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal on Wednesday. They demand strict monitoring in residential pockets like Mawprem to prevent noise pollution.
The union insists that festivities must respect public health. They highlighted the impact on seniors, children, and patients. “The celebration of any festival should not come at the cost of disturbing public peace, causing excessive noise pollution, or creating inconvenience for vulnerable members of society, including children, senior citizens, patients, and individuals who are particularly sensitive to loud noises,” the union stated.
KSU demands adherence to Supreme Court rules. Firecrackers must only go off between 8 pm and 10 pm. The union also wants officials to enforce noise caps of 125 dB(AI) or 145 dB(C) peak measured four metres from the blast. They want police to penalize rule-breakers and block the sale of illegal crackers.
The group also requested public awareness campaigns. They urged residents to act with civic responsibility to keep the holiday peaceful.
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