The administration aims to curb the bursting of noisy crackers during Diwali and prevent traffic snarls caused by their roadside sale. "In the past, there were frequent traffic jams and even fires caused by the bursting of crackers. Sherpa said no shops, permanent or makeshift, would be allowed to sell fireworks in and around Raiganj town. According to the National Green Tribunal rules, all crackers with a noise level above 90 decibels cannot be sold and no bursting of crackers would be allowed between 10pm and 6am. Raiganj Merchants' Association said the decision to ban the open sale of crackers would affect small businessmen and there should have been one more designated market to sell fireworks.

Source: The Telegraph October 23, 2016 22:17 UTC