Tripura issues strict eco-friendly guidelines for festive season

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 23, 2025

The Tripura State Pollution Control Board on Monday announced a set of stringent rules to ensure that Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja celebrations remain eco-friendly and free from noise pollution. The guidelines were released by Forest and Science and Technology Minister Animesh Debbarma at the state secretariat.

The order bans microphones, loudspeakers and musical instruments between midnight and 6 AM on festive days. Firecrackers above 90 decibels, or within 100 metres of silence zones such as hospitals, schools and courts, are prohibited. Only Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) certified fireworks can be used, strictly between 8 PM and 10 PM.

For cultural programmes, organisers must obtain prior police permission, and all sound systems must be fitted with limiters. The guidelines also bar the use of Plaster of Paris and toxic paints in idol-making. Only biodegradable materials and natural colours are allowed. Idol height has been capped at 20 feet, while pandals cannot exceed 40 feet.

Immersions will be permitted only at designated spots on dates fixed by the administration. The minister urged puja committees and the public to cooperate in keeping the festivities environment-friendly.

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