Ranchi: Firecrackers with a noise level below 125 dB(A) would be allowed to be sold in the state and burst within the allotted timings, the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) stated in a directive issued on Saturday. The move aims at curbing air and noise pollution during Diwali, Chhath, Christmas, and New Year celebrations.JSPCB member secretary Rajiv Lochan Bakshi said, “Urban areas across Jharkhand fall under the ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ air quality index (AQI) categories. This air quality needs to be maintained during the festive season.”Firecrackers can be burst only from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and Gurpurab, 6 am to 8 am on Chhath, and 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on Christmas and New Year’s eve.The board warned that violators would face action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and other applicable laws.Meanwhile, Ranchi deputy commissioner (DC) Manjunath Bhajantri on Saturday inspected Chhath ghats, including Kanke Dam, Hataniya Talab, Chadri Talab, Bada Talab, Dhurwa Dam, and Button Talab.He directed the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) officials to deploy sanitation staff at the ghats throughout the festival, remove moss from steps, spray DDT, and ensure clean water, adequate lighting, safe approach routes and crowd-management arrangements.The DC also visited Barah Parha Jatra Puja Committee at Misir Gonda, where ‘Jatra Mela’ is held, and asked the RMC to clear the access routes of encroachments.Bhajantri on Friday directed officials to deploy NDRF personnel and local divers at the ghats. Bamboo barricades would be installed to mark safe water levels, and swimming would be prohibited during the festival.Authorities were also asked to keep tabs on the sale and use of banned or unsafe firecrackers and ensure enforcement of restrictions on noise pollution after 10 pm.Departments were told to complete arrangements on time and Chhath Puja committees were urged to cooperate for smooth celebrations.