Kolkata: Despite stepped-up surveillance, seizures and arrests, banned firecrackers continue to find their way into Kolkata from the two major fireworks markets of Champahati and Nungi in South 24 Parganas, with an extensive network of manufacturers, intermediaries and transporters allegedly helping the illegal trade evade police scrutiny.Police have seized around 3,500 kg of banned fireworks from Champahati in the past few days and arrested 13 people, with 12 cases registered in connection with the crackdown. However, police sources said the seizures were only the tip of the iceberg, with much larger quantities of prohibited fireworks allegedly being sold through the two markets, which together have around 2,500 shops and thousands of small manufacturers.“We are dealing with any complaints of banned firecrackers being sold very strictly. Checkposts have been set up at various points to prevent transportation of banned crackers,” said Atish Biswas, additional SP (zonal), Baruipur Police District.According to police sources, the illegal trade has become difficult to detect because banned varieties are rarely displayed openly in shops. Instead, sellers allegedly operate through a network of manufacturers, intermediaries and transporters, coordinating orders through social media and mobile phones.Several people are allegedly manufacturing prohibited varieties, including chocolate bombs, dodoma and banned shells, in their homes. These are subsequently transported towards Kolkata in autos and van rickshaws, often with the help of carriers, including women and young children, who are less likely to attract suspicion. “Though we have set up several checkposts along the route, they have been able to sell the banned varieties,” said the officer.With the supply network continuing to operate despite police intervention, preventing banned fireworks from reaching Kolkata remains a significant enforcement challenge ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali.“The sellers keep the green crackers for display. If a customer asks for the loud crackers, they take the phone number and tell the customers to wait at a designated point. The crackers are delivered in some time by a child or a woman who uses autos or rickshaws to transport them,” said the businessman.The continued availability of banned fireworks is substantiated by reports of crackers being burst in several Kolkata neighbourhoods over the past week. Areas including Burrabazar, Girish Park, CR Avenue, Bangur, Kankurgachhi, Baguiati, New Town, Sinthi, Kalikapur, Behala, Chetla, Kasba and parts of New Alipore have reported violations over the past few days.Residents have complained that crackers are being burst in narrow lanes and residential neighbourhoods, often making it difficult for police to identify those responsible. Apart from noise pollution, the practice poses safety concerns for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders in congested stretches.According to the state govt guidelines, for Kali Puja and Diwali on Nov 8, bursting crackers will be permitted only between 8 pm and 10 pm. Only certified green crackers will be allowed during this window, while conventional firecrackers remain banned. Govt has also warned that violations could invite legal action, including seizure of illegal fireworks and arrests.Only green crackers manufactured by the 1,700 NEERI-approved manufacturers are permitted. The names of approved manufacturers are available on the designated website.Sound-emitting crackers must adhere to the prescribed 125-decibel ceiling, while the limit for light-emitting fireworks is 90 decibels. Bursting crackers within 100 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions and other designated silence zones is prohibited. Releasing sky lanterns without the requisite fire department permission can also attract legal action.
About The Author
