Gangtok, Oct. 18 -- The Sikkim Pollution Control Board on Saturday issued an order prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and bursting of all types of sound and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20.

The Sikkim Pollution Control Board on Saturday issued an order prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and bursting of all types of sound and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20.

In its order, the Pollution Control Board urged citizens to refrain from using firecrackers and single-use plastics, encouraging eco-friendly alternatives such as light displays and other environmentally conscious celebrations during the festival.

Meanwhile, in Aligarh, ahead ...