In relief to those suffering from respiratory and other ailments, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G S Malik has issued a notice banning the use of firecrackers, horns, noise-producing construction equipment, and loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am.
The strict nighttime restrictions aim to curb pollution and maintain public peace and align with the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000.
Initially meant to curb noise and air pollution during Diwali, this restriction will now remain in place until December 31, Commissioner Malik said. Assistant sub-inspectors and higher-ranking officers have been authorised to take action against violators, he added.
While the public has broadly complied with similar time restrictions in Gujarat over the past decade certain areas still witness late-night firecracker usage, with some officials choosing to turn a blind eye to such offences. The enforcement of these regulations has also faced challenges such as officers lacking the equipment necessary to monitor noise or air pollution levels caused by firecrackers.