Wardha SP urges residents to burst firecrackers within rules this Diwali, keep peace and safety

The Wardha district police have begun measures to ensure that Diwali and the festivals that follow are celebrated peacefully, safely and without pollution. The aim is to maintain law and order in the district, ensure public safety and keep noise and air pollution under control.

Wardha Superintendent of Police Saurabh Kumar Agrawal has appealed, on behalf of the Wardha police force, to all citizens, traders, firecracker sellers and businesspeople in the district to follow the administration's instructions and rules strictly. The appeal says Diwali is a festival of joy, enthusiasm and light, and everyone must celebrate it in a safe environment.

During festivals, fireworks, crowds, heavy traffic and events at public places can lead to accidents, fires, noise pollution and law and order problems. Police said everyone should therefore be mindful of their social responsibility and cooperate with the administration.

Under directions of the Supreme Court and the government, bursting firecrackers is prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am. Everyone should observe this restriction. Only authorised and approved firecrackers should be bought and sold, and banned or non-compliant firecrackers should neither be sold nor used.

Care should be taken that firecrackers do not trouble children, senior citizens, pregnant women, patients and people with breathing problems. Noise pollution rules should be followed near hospitals, educational institutions, courts and other silence zones.

Firecrackers should be burst in open spaces, and not indoors, in enclosed spaces, near vehicles or near flammable material. Water and firefighting equipment should be kept nearby. Children should burst firecrackers only under adult supervision. Leftover waste should be disposed of safely, and no one should try to relight a firecracker that has not gone off.

There are also instructions for firecracker sellers and businesspeople. Sales should be made only on the basis of a valid licence issued by the competent authority. Fire safety equipment, fire extinguishers, water arrangements and an emergency exit should be kept in order at the place of sale. Special care should be taken in shops with electrical equipment, flammable material and items that could catch fire. Licensed sellers must not sell non-compliant, banned or unlicensed firecrackers.

On law and order, citizens are urged not to spread rumours, objectionable messages or posts that create discord in society on social media during the festivals. No one should do anything that hurts religious sentiments or creates tension between two communities. Processions, loudspeakers or other events should not be held at public places without permission.

People should not drive after drinking, should follow traffic rules and should take care of their own safety and that of others. If suspicious persons or objects are seen in markets, crowded places or public areas, the nearest police station should be contacted immediately. Police should be informed at once of any untoward incident or any possible threat to law and order.

On police preparedness, it was said that necessary deployment, regular patrolling, special attention to sensitive places and patrolling in markets are under way in the limits of all police stations in the district. Preventive measures are also being taken. The police machinery is alert for public safety, and appropriate legal action will be taken under the law against those who break the rules.

Saying that festivals should increase joy, brotherhood and social harmony, Agrawal appealed to citizens to cooperate with the administration and police and celebrate Diwali and all coming festivals peacefully, safely and in an eco-friendly manner.

The Wardha district police message reads: "Festival of joy, resolve of safety, a pollution-free Diwali and a peaceful Wardha district!"