Cracker ban
Nagpur: With no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued for around 800 temporary firecracker shops in Oct, Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) post-Diwali ban on aerial fireworks has sparked questions over the timing and effectiveness of the move. The ban, imposed by municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar in his capacity as chairperson of the Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA), came into force at 4 pm on Nov 9. The order followed more than 42 fire incidents reported in the city within 24 hours during Lakshmi Pujan celebrations on Nov 8. Fire officials attributed 34 of these incidents to firecracker bursting.
If someone bursts a rocket or any other flying firecracker from the terrace of a residential building, how will our staff identify the person and establish where it was launched from?” questioned an assistant municipal commissioner. Officials have also admitted that enforcing the order would be a Herculean task. Assistant municipal commissioners of various zones whom TOI spoke to questioned how civic staff would identify people bursting prohibited fireworks from residential terraces, rooftops and balconies, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods. Under the order, city police have been entrusted with taking legal action against violators, while NMC’s fire department, zonal offices and other civic agencies have been directed to ensure strict implementation. Civic officials have also been asked to identify those violating the restrictions and coordinate with police for necessary action. “How are we expected to identify people violating the order? The enforcement challenge could become more pronounced during Panchami Diwali celebrations, when traders traditionally burst firecrackers on roads outside their establishments. Commercial areas could witness collective celebrations, requiring close coordination between police and NMC officials to prevent the use of prohibited aerial fireworks.