Nagpur: In a major move to curb air and noise pollution during Diwali, Nagpur Police have restricted the sale and use of firecrackers across the city. Only environment-friendly green crackers will be permitted, while the sale and use of string crackers (firecracker chains or ladi) have been completely banned.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Pakhale has submitted a detailed compliance affidavit before the Bombay High Court, outlining the steps taken by the city police to enforce pollution control regulations.
The High Court had earlier expressed serious concern over the bursting of high-decibel firecrackers on public roads, vehicles fitted with modified silencers producing excessive noise, and rising levels of air and noise pollution in the city.
No Temporary Firecracker Licences in 15 Areas
Following the court’s directions, the administration has decided not to issue temporary firecracker sale licences in 15 major roads and sensitive locations. These areas have effectively been designated as ‘No-Cracker Zones’.
The restricted areas include:
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Burdi Main Road
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Mahal to Gandhi Gate Square
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Bhosle Wada
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Badkas Chowk
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Kalyaneshwar Temple premises
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Golibar Chowk to Timki Teen Nal Chowk
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Shaheed Chowk
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Hansapuri
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Maskasath
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Marwari Chowk
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Mayo and Daga Hospital premises
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Medical College premises
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Indora to Kamal Talkies Square
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Gokulpeth Market
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Sadar Residency Road
Cases Registered Against 10 Firecracker Sellers
The police have registered cases against 10 firecracker sellers under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for violating licence conditions.
In addition, 363 awareness campaigns have been conducted in schools and colleges to educate students and young people about environmental protection and the harmful effects of firecrackers.
The police have informed the High Court that enforcement measures will continue to ensure compliance with the prescribed regulations and to keep noise and air pollution under control during the festive season.
