Kolkata, 29 October (H.S.) : Ahead of the Kali Puja and Diwali festivals, the state administration has adopted a stringent stance against the unregulated use of sky lanterns (fanus) and firecrackers. State Director General of Police (DGP) Siddhanath Gupta has clarified that strict regulations will now govern the use of sky lanterns and air balloons, which are traditionally flown from rooftops and streets during the festive season. Flying them haphazardly without proper permission or licenses is now strictly prohibited. The DGP highlighted that the uncontrolled flying of sky lanterns often leads to severe fire accidents, making it mandatory to enforce these preventive rules strictly to avert such tragedies.

Following a high-level review meeting on law and order and Kali Puja preparations, a joint press conference was held at the Nabanna state secretariat auditorium. During the briefing, Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh laid special emphasis on the exclusive use of 'green firecrackers'. She issued clear directives prohibiting the bursting of any sound-emitting firecrackers within a 100-meter radius of 'silent zones', which explicitly include hospitals, schools, colleges, and old-age homes. Complete tranquility must be maintained in these areas. Assuring strict administrative surveillance over firecracker markets, the Home Secretary made a poignant appeal to the public, stating, Our happiness should not be the cause of someone else's sorrow. She noted that while administrative strictness is in place, self-awareness among the public regarding the safe use of firecrackers is far more essential.

To tackle any untoward incidents and ensure the swift redressal of public grievances during the festival, the Home Secretary also announced the launch of a dedicated 'Control Room'. Citizens can immediately report any complaints regarding the sale or use of illegal and banned firecrackers to this facility. The administration has vowed to continue its rigorous crackdown and raids against banned and high-decibel firecrackers. The police and administrative machinery will remain on high alert throughout the festive days, maintaining continuous street patrolling. Reasserting that rules in silent zones will be enforced without compromise, the administration emphasized that a conscious and responsible public is the fundamental prerequisite for a safe and peaceful festival.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh