State govt takes measures against banned firecrackers

Kolkata: To check the use of banned firecrackers, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) has taken up a series of measures across the state.

WBPCB is also deploying patrolling police teams in the city and also in the districts with a device that will help the police to measure the sound level of the firecrackers. If there is any compliant of bursting of firecrackers beyond the permissible limit of 90 decibel, the police will measure the upward sound limit with the device and taken action.

The WBPCB Chairman Kalyan Rudra said that various measures have been taken to check bursting of banned firecrackers.

Nobody will be allowed to burst firecrackers after 10 pm. Police have been asked to take steps against those who will be found to have flouted the norms.

"We are providing the police with special devices which will help them detect sound crackers beyond the permissible limit. This is aimed at curbing sound pollution as we often hear from the cops about difficulties in measuring sound exceeding the specified limit," Rudra said.

He also said that awareness campaigns are being conducted in various schools. The city has been divided in certain categories. The hospital areas and school-adjoining areas have been identified as no sound zone. However, in some places, any sound beyond 65 decibel limit will not be allowed.

WBPCB has launched a massive awareness programme urging people not to burst crackers that violate the 65 decibel limit. Booklets have been prepared and a book has been released by the state Environment department.

Before Diwali, police have been asked to be vigilant and conduct raids in areas where crackers are manufactured particularly in South 24 Parganas. Raids are being held at various places to check the selling of high sounding crackers.

Training is being imparted among the members of the police team by the WBPCB. The PCB Chairman also

urged people not to use banned firecrackers during Diwali and Kali Puja.