Niuland, December 19 (MExN): The Niuland district administration in Nagaland on Friday issued a ban on the import of pigs and pork products, alongside a complete prohibition on firecrackers, citing threats from disease and pollution.
An official order stated the ban on livestock movement was imposed with immediate effect following reports of the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in several districts of Assam neighbouring Dimapur and Niuland.
Describing ASF as a “highly contagious viral disease,” the order said the ban on importing pigs, piglets, and as well as transport of live pigs and pork (meat) to Niuland District from outside the District is temporarily banned with immediate effect.
The ban will remain in force until the spread of disease is curbed or until it is safe to resume the import of pigs. Any violation of this order will be punishable under relevant provisions of law, the order stated.
In a simultaneous order, the district administration also prohibited the manufacture, sale and use of all types of firecrackers within Niuland district with effect from the date of issue of this order.
It noted that despite earlier orders and advisories on its ban bursting of firecrackers had continued in Niuland District and Niuland Town.
It stated that bursting firecracker of any type is responsible for increasing air pollution and related illness including sore throat, breathing issue, cough and noise pollution causing undue disturbance to the public and offices harming humans, animals and environment.
Violators of the firecracker ban will be penalised under relevant laws and slapped with a fine of Rs 5,000.
Both orders were issued by Sara S Jamir, Deputy Commissioner of Niuland.
