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Crackers Capped: Bengal's Festive Safety Overhaul
6 Nov
Summary
- Diwali cracker timings restricted to 8 pm-10 pm daily.
- Green crackers are mandatory, adhering to sound and light limits.
- New safety protocols aim to prevent tragedies like the Durga Puja stampede.
West Bengal has implemented stringent, non-negotiable safety protocols for the upcoming festive season, including Kali Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, learning from a tragic Durga Puja stampede that claimed 19 lives. For Diwali, cracker timings are set from 8 pm to 10 pm, with specific windows for other pujas. Only PESO- and CSIR-NEERI-certified green crackers are allowed, adhering to strict sound and light limits.
Community pandals and residential high-rises face elevated safety requirements. Dimly lit spaces are banned, with mandatory high-intensity illumination. Pandal committees must manage crowd flow, ensure adequate volunteers, and provide first-aid and fire suppression systems. Sky lanterns now require specific licensing. Municipal bodies managing Chhath Puja ghats must establish control rooms, waste segregation, and safety barricades.
Enforcement has intensified, with Kolkata Police seizing significant quantities of banned fireworks. Cases have been registered, and arrests made as authorities monitor transport routes. District pollution control rooms will operate 24/7 helplines to address public complaints regarding noise, air quality, and curfew violations during the festive period.
