The administration in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, has established stringent regulations concerning the sale and use of firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali celebrations, emphasizing the use of environmentally friendly options and limiting the hours for their burst.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Kullu Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Jaibanti Thakur, has issued detailed guidelines that permit only green crackers and restrict their usage to a two-hour window on the night of Diwali.
The directive mandates that all firecracker vendors must possess valid licenses granted by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Temporary cracker stalls are also required to adhere to all stipulated fire safety standards to mitigate any potential hazards. The administration has explicitly prohibited the bursting of firecrackers in silence zones. These zones include areas surrounding hospitals, educational institutions, and other locations officially designated as quiet zones.
Furthermore, the guidelines specify that firecrackers can only be ignited at designated safe locations. These approved sites are to be situated away from bustling markets and densely populated residential areas to ensure public safety. The use and sale of firecrackers that exceed the prescribed noise level limits have been banned. Additionally, the use of garland crackers, which are connected fireworks, has been completely prohibited under these new regulations.
To facilitate the compliance and management of these rules, the Kullu administration has identified six specific locations within the Kullu subdivision where the sale of permissible crackers will be permitted. These sites will also serve as designated areas for public fireworks displays, managed under the supervision of local authorities.
This move by the Kullu administration aims to balance the traditional celebrations of Diwali with environmental concerns and public safety, encouraging a more responsible approach to the use of fireworks. The enforcement of these guidelines is expected to contribute to a quieter and safer festive period for the residents of the Kullu subdivision.
The Chenab Times News Desk
