Ahead of Kali Puja, alongside firecrackers, sky lanterns are sold everywhere. During the festive season, people often release these lanterns from rooftops
or even while standing on the streets. However, Director General of State Police Siddh Nath Gupta has announced stricter regulations regarding the use of sky lanterns (air balloons). He stated that specific guidelines must be followed when releasing them. This implies that sky lanterns cannot be released indiscriminately without a license or official permission. He noted that several accidents have occurred in the past due to the release of sky lanterns or air balloons without proper authorisation, therefore adhering to regulations is essential to prevent such incidents. The police and administration held a meeting to discuss preparations for Kali Puja in the state, followed by a joint press conference at Nabanna. Speaking at the conference, Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh emphasized the use of 'green' (eco-friendly) firecrackers. She explicitly stated that no noisy firecrackers are permitted within 100 meters of 'silent zones' - such as hospitals, schools, colleges, and old-age homes - where silence must be maintained. There will be strict monitoring and regulation of firecracker markets leading up to Kali Puja. She remarked, "One's own joy should not become a cause for another's distress." She added that public awareness is even more crucial than administrative enforcement, and therefore efforts must be made to raise awareness among everyone regarding the use of firecrackers. Key directives of administration: - Appeal to use 'green crackers' - Firecrackers permitted only between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Diwali; time limits also set for Chhath Puja - Mandatory to obtain a license from the Fire Department for releasing 'lantern balloons' (sky lanterns) - DGP Siddhnath Gupta - Bursting firecrackers prohibited within a 100-meter radius of old-age homes and hospitals (silent zones) - Members of the public can report any grievances concerning firecrackers to the control room. Operations against banned firecrackers will continue, and the administration will remain vigilant with active patrolling during festive days
