Delhi government forms 11 teams to crackdown on illegally imported crackers
Delhi government has formed 11 teams to keep a check on illegal sale of imported firecrackers.The teams will carry out surprise inspections.
In Short
- Teams asked to conduct surprise inspection, take action against sellers and buyers.
- Strict enforcement of SC directions prohibiting crackers after 10 pm.
- Delhi govt appeals residents to avoid crackers and prevent air pollution.
Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Tuesday reviewed the action being taken by various stakeholder departments and agencies including the Environment Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Police, Licensing Unit, Petroleum & Exposure Safety Organization (PESO), District Magistrates/SDMs etc.
The review was conducted to make the 'Anti-Fire Crackers Campaign' successful, to control air and noise pollution effectively due to fire crackers during the forthcoming Diwali festival.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of Environment Department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) along with SDMs of all districts who are the designated authority as per notification under Noise Pollution Rules 2000 and also by Senior Officers of Delhi Police and PESO.
The Delhi Government has constituted 11 teams (district wise) headed by area SDMs and assisted by Executive Engineers (DPCC) to curb the sale of illegally imported/Chinese fire crackers in the market, which are the main source of spreading toxicity in the air during Diwali.
Also read: Govt readies to defuse Chinese firecrackers ahead of Diwali celebrations
These teams have been directed to carry out surprise inspections daily and to take action as per law, against violators found stocking and selling illegal/imported Chinese fire crackers.
Delhi Police has also been requested to take necessary action as per provisions of law and also to provide assistance to teams set up by Delhi Government.
Minister directed the teams of area SDMs, DPCC and Delhi Police to intensify field visits and take stringent actions against the violators. He also directed District Magistrates and SDMs to increase public awareness among people regarding orders of Supreme Court of India that has imposed a ban on bursting of sound emitting fire crackers between 10 PM to 6 AM.
Delhi Police informed that they have restricted the number of Licenses for sale of fireworks. DPCC was also directed to check and monitor Ambient Air & Noise levels during pre and Diwali nights.
Also read: Supreme court bans bursting of crackers between 10 pm and 6 am this Diwali
Hussain directed the Environment Department to set-up control room in DPCC to coordinate with various linked agencies to curb illegal sale of fire crackers and for receipt and monitoring of inspection reports on day-to-day basis.
Minister observed that Delhi Government is committed to provide safe and healthy environment to its citizens. All concerned Departments should create public awareness with the active participation of Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), Eco-clubs in various schools and colleges through newspapers, FM radio and social media etc.
He appealed to the Delhiites to effectively participate in the Anti Fire Crackers Campaign by desisting from buying/bursting harmful and loud noise producing crackers. They can bring cheers in the lives of their family members, friends and neighbours by lighting earthen diyas.
Delhi Government is organizing an awareness programme on Anti Fire Cracker Campaign on October 27 at the Central Park from 7.00 PM involving all the stakeholders like eco-clubs of various schools and colleges, NGOs, RWAs and general public.
Also read: Hopes for a quieter Diwali this time after massive awareness campaign