kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata: The West Bengal administration has issued a series of guidelines to regulate the use of firecrackers during Kali Puja and Chhath Puja, emphasising environmental protection, public safety and the need to prevent inconvenience to residents. The authorities have clarified the conditions under which firecrackers can be used during the festivals, warning that violations will invite legal action. A meeting was held at Nabanna, the state secretariat, involving Commissioner of Police Ajay Nanda and Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh to discuss the arrangements and enforcement of the rules.

The guidelines, only environmentally friendly green crackers will be permitted during Kali Puja and Chhath Puja. The administration has also specified sound limits for firecrackers, setting the maximum permissible noise level at 125 decibels for specified categories of firecrackers and 90 decibels in other cases, as outlined in the announced restrictions. The objective is to ensure that celebrations do not turn into a source of excessive noise, pollution or distress for the public.

The authorities have also fixed specific time windows for bursting firecrackers. During Kali Puja, crackers can be burst only between 8 pm and 10 pm. For Chhath Puja, the permitted period will be from 6 am to 8 am. Residents have been urged to follow these timings strictly and avoid using firecrackers outside the designated hours. The restrictions are intended to reduce the impact of noise and air pollution while allowing people to celebrate within the prescribed limits.

Special attention has been directed towards high-rise residential buildings, where residents have been advised to remain alert to smoke levels while bursting permitted crackers. The administration has stressed the importance of taking precautions in densely populated residential areas, where smoke can quickly affect neighbouring flats and common spaces. Residents are expected to ensure that celebrations do not create avoidable health and safety risks for others.

The guidelines also introduce a licensing requirement for flying sky lanterns. Anyone planning to release lanterns will have to obtain permission from the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The measure is aimed at reducing the risk of accidental fires, particularly in areas with closely packed buildings, overhead electrical lines and other potential fire hazards. People have been advised not to treat sky lanterns as harmless festive decorations and to follow the prescribed safety procedures.

The administration has imposed a complete ban on bursting firecrackers within 100 metres of hospitals and old-age homes. These institutions accommodate patients, elderly residents and other vulnerable people who may be particularly affected by loud noises and smoke. The restriction is intended to protect their health, comfort and safety during the festive period.

Authorities have also directed that firecracker markets must be established away from residential localities and only at locations designated in accordance with administrative regulations. Such markets will remain under strict surveillance to ensure compliance with safety requirements and prevent the sale of prohibited fireworks. Officials are expected to monitor the arrangements closely, with particular attention to the storage and sale of illegal firecrackers.

As part of the enforcement drive, authorities have reportedly seized 110 kilograms of prohibited firecrackers from the Burrabazar area of Kolkata. Action is being taken against those allegedly involved in the illegal activity. The seizure highlights the administration’s focus on preventing the circulation of banned fireworks and ensuring that only permitted products are used during the celebrations.

The Director General of Police has made it clear that anyone found violating the rules will face legal and punitive action. The administration is also arranging a helpline facility to enable members of the public to report violations and raise complaints. Residents will be encouraged to inform the authorities about the illegal use of firecrackers, violations of the prescribed timings and other activities that may threaten public safety.

Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh has appealed to people to celebrate responsibly, stressing that festive enjoyment should not come at the expense of others. The administration’s message is that public cooperation will be essential for ensuring peaceful celebrations, particularly in crowded urban areas where noise and smoke can affect large numbers of people.

With Kali Puja and Chhath Puja approaching, the state administration is seeking to balance religious and cultural celebrations with environmental responsibility and public safety. The authorities have urged residents, traders and organisers to familiarise themselves with the restrictions and follow the instructions carefully. The administration has warned that the rules are not merely advisory and that violations will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The message from Nabanna is clear: people can celebrate the festivals, but they must respect the prescribed timings, use only permitted green crackers and take precautions to protect hospitals, old-age homes and residential neighbourhoods. The authorities have called for collective responsibility to ensure that the festive spirit does not become a source of pollution, fire hazards or distress for others.