Kolkata: The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) and Kolkata Police have issued stringent directives ahead of Diwali on green crackers.
These directives mandate strict compliance with norms governing the use, storage and sale of certified green fireworks.
Only those fireworks that bear the ‘Green Fireworks’ certification from CSIR-NEERI and produce sound levels within 120 decibels measured at a 5-meter distance will be permitted.
As per Supreme Court directives, fireworks can only be burst between 8 pm and 10 pm on 20 October.
Violations will invite prosecution under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
Punishments can range from six months to five years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 1 lakh.
All police stations have already been instructed to conduct round-the-clock naka checks. The vigilance would be heightened in areas bordering Odisha and Jharkhand.
Enforcement drives are underway in Kolkata, Howrah, Bidhannagar and surrounding municipalities. Special mobile squads equipped with decibel meters will patrol neighbourhoods.
