Kolkata, Oct. 30 -- The West Bengal government's environment department will deploy joint police-Environment Department teams across Kolkata on Kali Puja night to crack down on banned firecrackers and violations of prescribed timings, while intensifying surveillance in areas that recorded widespread violations last year, Forest and Environment Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon said on Friday.
The state has fixed 8 pm to 10 pm as the permitted window for bursting firecrackers on Kali Puja night and 6 am to 8 am on Chhath Puja. Firecrackers burst outside these hours or banned varieties used at any time will invite legal action, officials said.
"We will not repeat the mistakes of the past. Wherever complaints are received, prompt action will be tak...