No norms for effigy-burning
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 22
The Amritsar train tragedy has raised several questions: What should be the size of Ravana’s effigy and the number of firecrackers stuffed in it? How much space should be earmarked for the crowd to be at a safe distance from the effigies?
No rules have been framed in this regard, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives (North Circle) RN Meena told The Tribune on Monday.
“Deputy Commissioners allow bursting of fireworks in effigies according to the financial capability of event organisers. The DCs are expected to assess the ground situation in terms of the expected size of the crowd and number of fireworks before granting permission. Unfortunately, there is no consistency in granting approvals,” he said.
With Diwali approaching, the districts administrations have another concern. Deputy Commissioners say rules are clear on the storage and sale of firecrackers, but hardly anyone follows them.
A Zirakpur-based supplier of crackers said, “On paper, cracker-sellers and even organisers of Dasehra events take permission from the district administration, promising adhering to security norms. But except for a rare visit by officials, the sale of crackers goes unchecked and so do festival-related events.”
A Patiala-based cracker depot owner said, “Senior officers are never a part of the regulation exercise of crackers. Tehsildars or junior police officers are assigned such duties. Seniors need to be made accountable.”
A feedback from different quarters revealed presence of big and noisy crackers some of which does not comply with the requirements.
Pathankot DC Ramvir admitted to loose ends in public safety. “The administration is aware of the sale of banned crackers, especially the ones from China,” he said.
TL Verma, a former fire consultant to the Punjab and Haryana Governments, said: “It is well known that several persons sell crackers in streets without permission. Children burst crackers in narrow lanes and other crowded places. Only a few sellers keep the firefighting equipment ready.”
“In the wake of the train tragedy, the government needs to review the permission and regulation process. At least, places for bursting crackers need to be earmarked, preferably far from residential areas, as is the practice in foreign countries,” he added.
