JOIN US Deputy Commissioner D S Vishwanath told the officers of the Pollution Control Board to organise awareness processions on the precautions to be taken while bursting crackers for Deepavali.
“The processions should be organised in all taluk headquarters on Friday, November 9,” he added.
Speaking at a meeting of the District Environment Preservation Authority at his office on Thursday, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) said the Excise, Education, Fire and Emergency Services and Public Works Departments, and the municipal councils should pay special attention to security during festivities and prevent any mishap.
“No bursting of crackers between 10 pm and 6 am,” said the DC, adding that cracker sellers have permits for sale, which they should compulsorily follow. Vishwanath also instructed the town and city municipality officers to inspect and strictly ensure the sellers follow the rules and permits.
Decibel level
“Burst crackers beyond residential areas. Make this an environment-friendly festival, as bursting crackers results in both sound and air pollution, it can have negative impact on senior citizens, children, patients and pregnant women,” he said.
“The fire brigade should be ready to rush to any spot of mishap during the festivities. Doctors too should be prepared with other medical staff to provide first aid to any casualty while bursting crackers,” he advised.
The quality of sound and air will be gauged on November 9, 12, 13, 14 and 16, said the district environment officer H K Maddumadaiah.
When the officer added that the Pollution Control Board had just a few machines to gauge the pollution level, Vishwanath expressed dissatisfaction, adding that there were merely a couple of days before Deepavali. “The Board should have made such preparations long ago,” he said.
The officer failed to even explain clearly to the DC how the precaution awareness campaign would be organised. He could also not reply if handouts would be distributed in schools.
Vishwanath was further upset by such laid-back attitude and told the officer to take the help of the Department for Public Instruction. “Supply the education officer enough number of handouts and tell the officer to ensure they are distributed in all schools.”