GUWAHATI: The Guwahati Police Commissionerate on Wednesday, October 30 issued an advisory as it pursues the guidelines by the Supreme Court of India 2018 towards having a safe, environmentally conscious Deepawali this year. With an advisory that will now focus on using "Green Crackers" and will strictly follow safety measures to reduce pollution during the festive period while ensuring minimal health risks, people are being encouraged to reduce pollution and minimise health risks during the festive period.
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Citizens are urged to use the advisory Indian-origin "green crackers" specially designed to reduce environmental impacts. The green crackers emit lesser toxins, no barium and their sounds fall within safety decibel levels that has been certified by CSIR/National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, at 110-125 dB.
Fireworks use is restricted to the time between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Deepawali night to minimize noise and air pollution. Other safety tips include storing fireworks in safe places, supervising children around fireworks, and maintaining a four-metre distance from the ignition points to avoid burns or injuries. The public is therefore encouraged to maintain buckets full of water or sand nearby, wear protective eyewear and cotton clothing, and dispose of used fireworks safely by submerging them in water. It also advises the public to ensure indoor safety in their homes by ensuring that infants are kept indoors, windows and doors are closed and pets prepared for the festivities as well.
The authorities has highlighted several activities to be avoided. Fireworks should only be lit outdoors, and care should be taken not to burst crackers near electric poles, wires, or structures. Crackers with a decibel level of more than 125 dB are banned, and fireworks are strictly prohibited in "Silence Zones" like hospitals and schools. Moreover, children should not be allowed to handle or light fireworks alone.
The pollutants and noise effects of the firework emission can relate to air pollution, irritation of the eyes and the throat, and may even advance respiratory diseases such as asthma. Where cardiovascular and neurological diseases exist, children and old persons are the most vulnerable to the pollutants and the noise effects of the emission.
Animals and birds suffer the most from noise and pollution from fireworks. The stress of pets and stray animals is at its peak, and noise can also lead to disorientation and physical damage to wildlife and force birds to leave their homes.
For emergencies, netizens are advised to contact emergency services at 108 or 101. The police commissionerate appeals to the citizens to celebrate this Deepawali in a safe and environment-friendly manner.
