Possession, sale and bursting firecrackers of any kind have been banned by Calcutta High Court.
The state should ensure that there is no use or display or bursting of firecrackers at all during Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations, the court said in its order. “For this purpose, only wax or oil-based diyas would have to suffice for the greater good of the citizens and in the larger public interest.
“This direction as to firecrackers will be effective all over the state and will cover not only Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations, but also Chhath Puja, Jagadhatri Puja and Guru Nanak’s birthday celebrations thereafter.”
The Telegraph gives the low-down on how to go about this Diwali:
Sparklers
Sparklers are not allowed. The court order clearly mentioned that no firecrackers would be allowed. “The compendious word ‘firecrackers’ is used in this order to include all types of sparklers and the like, whether or not the use or burning thereof involves any sound or light being generated,” the order read.
Police role
The court has ordered the police to maintain strict vigil and ensure there is no sale or purchase of firecrackers of any kind in the state between now and the end of the month.
Violations
- Purchase, sale, display or bursting firecrackers of any kind
- Playing loudspeakers at a sound level greater than 65decibel measured from a distance of 5 metre from the source
Punishment
- Spending a night at police station
- Violators can be prosecuted under sections of the explosive substances act, leading to a criminal case and imprisonment of three years if found guilty
- Disaster Management Act 2005, Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Air Act, 1981. Charges under the environment protection act carry a maximum punishment of five years in jail and a penalty of Rs 1lakh.
- Prosecution under Section 188 of the IPC attracts an imprisonment of one month and a fine of Rs 200
- Calcutta police suburban act attracts a penalty of Rs 50
Police bandobast
- 5000 police personnel will be on duty
- Watchtowers, mobile patrols, auto-rickshaw patrols and divisional reserve forces will be on standby for immediate deployment in case of complaints
- Police have asked citizens to report anything related to firecrackers through helpline numbers and on their social media pages
- In the Shakespeare Sarani, Camac Street, Park Street, Alipore, and New Alipore areas, cops will be posted on highrises to ensure there is no law violation on Diwali
Help at hand
- Emergency helpline: 100
- Lalbazar control room: 22143230
- Howrah police control room: 26415614
- Barrackpore police control room: 9874447929
- Bidhannagar police control room: 23358788
- Traffic control room: 22143644
- Fire: 101
- Ambulance: 102
- Fire brigade control room (headquarters): 22861570/ 22521165
Complaints
- Calcutta Police jurisdiction: 9432610444
- West Bengal Pollution Control Board: 23353913, 18003453390 (Toll free between November 13 and 15)
- Sabuj Mancha control room: 9432209770, 9831318265, 9635912049 (only WhatsApp) — Between November 14 and 16
Weather
The cold and dry winds from north India have been somewhat stalled by a slight rise in the moisture content in the atmosphere. The Met office has ruled out rain on Diwali. But the minimum temperature is likely to be above 21 degrees Celsius, a couple of notches above normal, a Met official said.
Metro
Metro Railway will run 152 trains son Saturday instead of the scheduled 190. The first and last trains will start from Kavi Subhash and Dum Dum at 8am and 9pm. The first and last trains from Noapara will start at 8.09am and 8.55pm.
Tipple tale
Diwali is not a dry day. There is no restriction on bars, pubs, off shops, and clubs — they can serve liquor.