New Delhi: To ensure a safe and pollution- free Diwali in the national capital, the environment department of Delhi government has launched an extensive anti- firecracker campaign here and has sought the cooperation of all the agencies concerned for enforcing the same.
As part of the measures initiated, the licensing department of Delhi Police has been asked to issue suitable instructions to district-level licensing authorities for the issue of licenses to the sellers of fireworks.
The list of licenses granted will be displayed on the official website of the Licensing Unit of Delhi Police as also on the website of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
Further, Delhi Police will ensure that the total number of licenses issued this year does not exceed that of last year.
"All licensing units have been asked to ensure that the ban on imported firecrackers is implemented by random checks at godowns, especially those belonging to wholesale dealers.
"Also, licensing units will ensure that the information regarding chemical content and sound level is displayed on the firecracker box," said environment department secretary, Sanjiv Kumar.
In a major initiative, firecrackers will not be sold after 10 PM. And conditions to that effect will be included before the granting of licences.
Petroleum and Exposure Safety Organisation (PESO) has been asked to ensure that detailed information, specifically on the chemical content and sound-level of the firecracker, is mentioned on the box in which it is packaged.
Sub-divisional magistrates and police officials have been
asked to constitute inspecting teams for ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court ban on the bursting of sound-emitting firecrackers while PCR vans, too, will keep a strict vigil for the same.
DPCC has collected samples of firecrackers from various locations which appeared to have flouted the regulations. These samples have been sent to PESO for further action.
Further, there will be monitoring of ambient air and noise pollution.
Divisional Commissioners have been asked to explore the scope for the procurement of noise meters for all the SDM's to enable them to monitor noise levels on Diwali.
"Strict action is to be taken against violators, especially against those who continue to burst crackers even after the warning, by designated authorities under Section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
"Seven teams will be constituted which will assist DCs and visit various areas to check noise pollution levels. DPCC will also check shops randomly with respect to compliance vis-a-vis sound-emitting firecrackers," added Kumar.
