Legal crackers only: Enforced 8pm-to-10pm window on November 12 in Kolkata and Bidhannagar

Kolkata Police and Bidhannagar Police have initiated a concerted campaign to enforce the Supreme Court's cracker norms, targeting housing complexes across the city. The campaign encompasses various measures, from banning the release of sky lanterns from high-rises in New Town, Lake Town, and Salt Lake to warning Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) about the potential arrest of residents for the illegal burning of crackers before or after the stipulated two-hour window on Kali Puja-Diwali evening on November 12. 

Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, Gaurav Sharma, announced the commencement of the campaign this week, with each police station instructed to visit complexes, convene joint meetings with their representatives, and educate them on the necessary guidelines for a safe and lawful Diwali celebration. This includes legal consequences associated with burning any crackers other than the designated green ones.

Kolkata Police will also join the initiative by visiting high-rises with loudspeakers and posters this weekend. These measures will serve to announce the rules and provide information on identifying green crackers, which will be distinguishable by the presence of QR codes on their packaging.

It is worth noting that since last year, the police have been imposing the Explosives Substance Act on anyone found with prohibited firecrackers, including sellers, transporters, and customers, which can result in a jail term of up to three years. 

The majority of complaints regarding violations of norms have historically emanated from high-rise areas, such as Lake Town, Dum Dum Park, Bangur Avenue, Ultadanga, Kankurgachhi, EM Bypass, Jadavpur, Haridevpur, and Sarsuna. To further raise awareness and promote compliance, officers plan to organize rallies to educate residents about cracker norms and encourage them to celebrate with only green crackers.