Kolkata, The West Bengal government on Thursday warned of strict action against violations of firecracker norms during Kali Puja and Diwali, urging people to exercise restraint and comply with pollution-control regulations.
Addressing a press conference, Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh said the government has launched an awareness campaign to educate people about sound and other pollution norms.
“It is not just about enforcement; it is also a lot about self-awareness,” she said, describing the initiative as a behavioural-change campaign. Ghosh said the enjoyment of one person should not cause inconvenience to others. DGP Siddh Nath Gupta said seizures and arrests would be made for violations at every stage, from the manufacture of firecrackers to their use. He also said air lanterns could be used only after obtaining the requisite licences. Asked about the illegal sale of firecrackers in various districts, Ghosh said the government was vigilant, and the police would make every effort to curb the use of illegal crackers. She said safety measures were being put in place at firecracker markets being set up for Kali Puja and Diwali.
