The two-hour window fixed by the Supreme Court for Diwali fireworks and the warning by police that a violation could even lead to arrest has raised questions ranging from interpretation of the order to its implementation in different places. The Telegraph cuts through the cracker smokescreen.

What does the Supreme Court order about bursting firecrackers say?

Firecrackers can be burst only between 8pm and 10pm. The noise limit for crackers in West Bengal is 90 decibels within five metres of where it goes off.

What is the prime objective behind this restriction?

It is meant to reduce/prevent air and noise pollution, both of which individually or in combination trigger multiple diseases — respiratory, auditory and cardiac.

How can you be sure that the firecrackers you are bursting are not on the banned list?

Based on testing by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board this year, city police have banned 105 types of fireworks. No need to memorise the list. All noise-producing fireworks, including chocolate bombs, kali pataka, dhani pataka, dodoma, chain crackers and rockets are banned. Purchase fireworks only from licensed vendors and traders, whom you will find in the fireworks markets authorised by the police.

The Supreme Court has asked people to burst only green crackers. Where in Calcutta are such firecrackers sold?

This portion of the order is not mandatory for Calcutta this year. The Supreme Court’s initial order had left scope for speculation about the use of green crackers. In an amended order issued on October 31, the court clarified that conventional firecrackers can be burst everywhere except Delhi-NCR (where pollution levels are the highest in the country) as long as these conform to noise norms. In Bengal, the limit is 90 decibels from within five metres.

So, will green firecrackers become mandatory in the city next year?

The Supreme Court has not explicitly said so, but it is implicit in the spirit of the order.

What are green crackers and how are they different from the usual ones?

Green crackers are primarily distinguished by low emission compared to conventional firecrackers. The use of barium, aluminium, lead and antimony is banned.

Who should you report any violation to?

The local police station. According to the Supreme Court order, the officer-in-charge of a police station would be solely responsible for a violation in the area under his jurisdiction. Complaints can also be reported to the control rooms at Lalbazar and the state pollution control board.

What is the maximum penalty for violating firecracker norms?

A fine of up to Rs 5 lakh and jail for one year. The police have said they will arrest offenders, if needed. “This year will be different. When it comes to implementation of the apex court’s order, the law will take its own course,” a senior officer in Lalbazar said.

Are the police making special arrangements for increased vigilance?

More than 2,000 personnel will be deployed to keep vigil on roads, temples and buildings. There will be watch- towers, heavy radio flying squad vehicles on patrol, additional CCTV surveillance, divisional pickets and special deployment at the Metro stations.

The Telegraph