Kolkata, Oct. 30 -- Environment minister Manoj Oraon on Friday said bursting firecrackers beyond the stipulated hours would not be tolerated. An administrative helpline number is being provided to report firecracker-related complaints.
Oraon also assured that prompt action will be taken whenever a genuine complaint is raised with the helpline number. Speaking at a Press conference, the minister stated that flying sky lanterns without prior permission is illegal. Anyone wishing to release sky lanterns must obtain advance permission or a licence from the state Fire Services department. The Director General of Police (DGP) was also present in the programme.
"We will also organise camps in different neighbourhoods to make people aware and alert them about the restrictions. With the growing trend of flying sky lanterns in recent times, the police and fire services departments have also tightened restrictions on this practice," the minister maintained.
As the festival approaches, concerns are growing over the possible rise in the use of noisy firecrackers. In view of this, the state government has issued a series of advance guidelines to ensure public safety and protect the environment during the festive season. Along with fixing specific time slots for bursting firecrackers, several restrictions have also been imposed on the use of silence zones and the flying of sky lanterns.
At a meeting held at Nabanna Sabhaghar, Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh had earlier announced that although bursting firecrackers would be permitted during Kali Puja, complete silence must be maintained in designated 'Silence Zones'. Bursting any kind of noisy firecracker or fireworks will be strictly prohibited within a 100-metre radius of hospitals, schools and educational institutions. The administration will also maintain strict surveillance at firecracker markets to ensure that no illegal or banned firecrackers are sold.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.