Nagpur, 29 Oct

(HS): The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a notice warning

strict action for violation of the firecrackers rules. The notice was issued by

the Bombay High Court prohibited on bursting firecrackers on public streets,

roads, lanes and footpaths ‘during the festivals’.

It also bans

complete ban on bursting firecrackers in silence zones – around hospitals,

government offices, courts, educational institutions etc. The strategy aims to

environmental protection and cultural sentiments and also public health.

There is no cub

on manufacturing or selling of firecrackers. The rules pertaining to

manufacture and sale of firecrackers are governed by the different government

authorities. The authorities have also banned bursting of firecrackers between

10 pm and 6 am and restriction on sound created by firecrackers and use of

harmful substances and chemicals, which can lead to harmful effect on people

and animal health and damage to environment.

The notification

specifically mentions about firecrackers used during the festivals. It has no

mention of firecrackers used during public rallies and to celebrate victories

in elections.

The results of

elections to the Legislative Council in five constituencies in Maharashtra were

announced on Wednesday and Thursday. The victories are celebrated by beating

drums and bursting of firecrackers publicly, without restrictions.

During the

marriage season, firecrackers and bands blatantly violate rules, particularly

related to restriction in silence zones. While booking marriage halls, the parties

to the marriage, sign an agreement blindly. The agreement mentions specifically

that the parties are prohibited from violating the rules related to

firecrackers bursting and noise pollution.

So far, any

action against the political parties or marriage celebrations has not been

reported, either by the Pollution Control Board or the police. Are the authorities

concerned listening remains the unanswered question.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar