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?
Crackers can be burst only between 8pm and 10pm. The noise limit for crackers in Jharkhand is 125 decibels within four 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?
All noise-producing crackers, including chocolate bombs, double sound, chain crackers and rockets are banned. Purchase fireworks only from licensed vendors and traders, whom you will find in the fireworks markets authorised by police and administration, said member-secretary of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board Rajeev Lochan Bakshi
The Supreme Court has asked people to burst only green crackers. Where in Jharkhand are such firecrackers sold?
This portion of the order is not mandatory for the state 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 Jharkhand, the limit is 125 decibels from within four metres
So, will green firecrackers become mandatory in the state 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 and the state pollution control board
What is the maximum penalty for violating firecracker norms?
A fine of up to Rs 1 lakh and/or jail term up to three years. The police have said they will arrest offenders if needed, said JSPCB member-secretary Bakshi. ADG (Operations) and senior police spokesperson R.K. Mallick said any individual or group caught flouting the apex court directives would be charged with contempt of court. “This year will be different. When it comes to implementation of the apex court’s order, the law will take its own course,” added another senior police officer in Ranchi
Are the police making special arrangements for increased vigilance?
More than 1,000 personnel will be deployed to keep vigil on roads and other strategic locations. Mobile tiger units will be on patrol and control rooms on alert, said Ranchi SSP Anish Gupta.
The idol of Nivaranpur Anantpur Samiti, also in the capital. Prashant Mitra
The Telegraph
