3 min readChandigarhNov 7, 2015 04:46 AM IST
First published on: Nov 7, 2015 at 04:46 AM IST
Ahead of Diwali, the Chandigarh Administration on Friday directed the police department to act tough on all those who burst crackers between the prohibited timing of 10 pm to 6 am on the intervening night of November 11 and November 12.
At a meeting with the police and fire department, Deputy Commissioner Ajit Balaji Joshi asked the police officers to “strictly enforce” the orders. “I have told them not to be lax this time and enforce the orders under Section 144 of the CrPc. They can take action and register a case under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant ) of the IPC. Also, they should act on all calls received at the control room about the cracker bursting during the prohibited hours,” said the DC.
Also, the fire department of the Municipal Corporation was asked to make adequate fire arrangements and to keep all 12 fire tenders ready. “We informed that all our 270 employees would be working and the control room would function 24 hours. Regarding the cracker stall owners, we have been asked to inform the local police station as well if the owner is found without first aid and firefighting equipment,” said C S Kochar, consultant of fire department with the MC.
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The DC also deputed three sub-divisional magistrates to inspect the cracker markets and submit a report. In case of any violation, licences of shopkeepers can be cancelled.
From next Diwali, the Chandigarh Administration is contemplating having common designated grounds for residents to burst crackers. In an idea mooted during the meeting for Diwali preparations on Friday, the DC said that the sole aim of having common grounds was to ensure safety of people.
“We will be looking for eight to 10 open spaces. When everybody comes together to burst crackers at open spaces, proper safety can be ensured. Fire and security (police and ambulance) arrangements can also be made at those points,” said Joshi.
He added, “This idea will be floated after this Diwali. We will seek comments from the public as well to ensure its systematic implementation.”
Also, there is a proposal for having common designated open spaces for cracker selling. “At present, everything is scattered in various markets. It will be easy for the general public and for authorities as well to keep a check if cracker markets are at one place.”
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