Kolkata: Ahead of Kali Puja , Diwali and Chhath Puja , flying sky lanterns or ‘phanush’ or releasing hot-air balloons without prior permission or a licence from the fire services department could invite legal action, the state govt has warned on Thursday.
Anyone wishing to release such balloons must obtain prior permission or a licence from the fire department,” Gupta said. State DGP Siddhnath Gupta issued the warning at a news conference at Nabanna which was chaired by home secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh, in presence of Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand, fire services director general Anuj Sharma and other senior officials. “There are specific guidelines for this under the Fire Services Act. The administration will also tighten surveillance at firecracker markets, manufacturing units, storage facilities and supply points. Police, civic bodies and other agencies will ensure that bazi bazaars are located in safe areas away from residential neighbourhood, with adequate space between stalls. Fire tenders and ambulances will be deployed wherever necessary.