'Don't burst crackers producing 120 decibels of noise'

He was speaking at the meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the City on Wednesday. Crackers that produces more than 120 decibels of sound should not be used.

Traders selling crackers must compulsorily obtain permit from their respective tahsildar, police inspector or CMC Commissioner before selling the crackers. The shops should be located in the places designated by CMC Commissioner. Fire fighting equipments along with sand and other materials should be in place for emergency, said Gangadharaiah.

People should ideally burst the crackers in open space and in groups. Parents/guardians must look after children when they venture out to burst crackers, said Gangadharaiah who directed the officials to spread awareness about this among people.

He directed district surgeon Srinivasan to arrange for a separate ward which exclusively caters to the victims of fire accidents.

Three centres would be opened to measure the pollution caused by crackers, said officials form Environment department. SP K P Puttaswamy and officials from Pollution Control Board were present on the occasion.