Mizoram government will ban firecrackers, sky lanterns and other pyrotechnic materials, including toy guns during Christmas and New Year in view of the Covid19 pandemic, an official said.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting presided over by Mizoram home minister Lachamliana on Monday, the official said.
The meeting decided to ban the sale and bursting of firecrackers and sky lanterns and also the sale and possession of toy guns, which could propel bullets during Christmas and New Year as it would cause pollutions, which in turn could exacerbate the conditions of Covid19 patients and people suffering from other respiratory problems, he said.
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He said prohibitory orders will be issued in this regard by the deputy commissioners in the districts.
The meeting also decided to set up special police checkpoints and conduct massive mobile patrolling during the festive season.
Apart from state police, volunteers of local level task forces set up to combat Covid19 pandemic will also be roped in for the purpose, the official said.
Bursting of firecrackers and use of other pyrotechnic materials, including bullet-propelled toy guns is a usual practice in the Christian-dominated state during the festive season.
While in the past, the primary purpose of banning fireworks was to enable people to celebrate Christmas and New Year in a peaceful and pollution-free environment, this year the state government is cautious about pollution due to the Covid19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, state health and family welfare board vice chairman Dr. ZR Thiamsanga said the state is unlikely to celebrate Christmas and New Year like it had done in the past due to Covid19.
Apart from church service (worship service), congregational singing called ‘Zaikhawm’ and community feast are an integral part of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Mizoram.
Thiamsanga said the government is unlikely to allow congregational singing and community feast as a precautionary measure against Covid19.
Health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana will convene a meeting on Tuesday to deliberate about Covid-19 related issues in view of the festive season, he said.