Firecracker
Citizens can also report violations by calling on 112,” Patil said. “Noise-pollution complaints would be dealt with under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, with the zonal DCP initiating court proceedings after hearing the matter. A recent police notice reiterated that bursting firecrackers on public roads, footpaths and within 10 metres of roads is prohibited throughout the year, including on lanes and pathways used by the public.
Because there are so many roads in the city, “We cannot deploy police personnel on every road. Often, it is only after the sound is heard that one realises crackers have been burst, and by then it may be difficult to identify the source,” she said, arguing that authorities should invest more in preventive measures and awareness campaigns rather than rely mainly on enforcement after violations are reported.
Senior officers said, however, that posting personnel on every street and lane was not feasible. Additional commissioner of police (administration) Sanjay Patil told TOI that enforcement would rely on evidence gathered during patrols and complaints from residents. “Nearly every police station has decibel-measuring instruments, which personnel on patrol can use to record noise levels at different locations,” he said. Action will be based on evidence gathered during patrolling and complaints received,” the officer said. He said deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) in every zone had been authorised to initiate action. The officer said police would focus on areas from where excessive-noise complaints were received. Other violations could also invite penal action under applicable laws,” he said. Mandke said police patrols might struggle to detect violations across residential areas and narrow lanes.
Pune: Police will step up patrols and act on citizen complaints to enforce the ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads and footpaths this Diwali in accordance with the Bombay high court order. We will, however, deploy more officers for patrolling this Diwali. “Residents can approach the DCP concerned or lodge a complaint at any police station. Details, including noise readings taken at the location, would be forwarded to the zonal DCP for further action. “No matter how much patrolling they do, people can burst firecrackers in narrow lanes, at turns and in residential areas. It also bans fire balloons and sky lanterns in such areas.