300-Metre 'No-Cracker Zones': Delhi Police Issue Strict Diwali Warning
Delhi Police enforce strict no-cracker zones within 300m of schools and hospitals. Learn about permitted timings and green cracker rules for Diwali.
As the city gears up for Diwali celebrations, the Delhi Police have implemented a rigorous crackdown on firecracker usage to combat pollution and protect the most vulnerable. In a significant move, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara), Rajendra Prasad Meena, has announced that a 300-metre radius around all hospitals, schools, and other sensitive establishments is now strictly designated as no-cracker zones in Delhi.
Zero Tolerance for Buffer Zone Violations
The authorities have made it clear that there will be no room for leniency when it comes to these buffer zones. The restriction extends beyond just schools and hospitals to include old-age homes and designated silence zones. To ensure these rules are followed, special police teams have been deployed across the district to monitor compliance.
DCP Rajendra Prasad Meena warned that any individual found bursting crackers within these prohibited areas will face stern legal consequences, emphasizing that the safety of healthcare facilities and educational institutes is paramount.
Strict Rules on Green Crackers and Verification
Following the directives of the Supreme Court, the Delhi Police have stipulated that only "green crackers" are permitted. However, the legality of these crackers depends on their source and verification.
- Authorized Sources: Crackers must be purchased only from licensed vendors.
- QR Code Verification: Every permitted cracker must bear a certified QR code as an authenticated verification marker.
Limited Window for Celebrations
The police have also imposed a strict schedule for those intending to burst crackers, limiting the activity to a total of three hours over two days. The permitted timings for November 7 and 8 are as follows:
- Morning Slot: 6:00 am to 7:00 am
- Evening Slot: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Any activity outside these specific windows, or the sale of illegal firecrackers, will trigger immediate legal action.
Heightened Security in Commercial Hubs
Beyond the pollution controls, the Delhi Police are focusing on public safety in the city's crowded markets. Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range), Milind Mahadeo Dumbere, recently conducted on-ground patrols in the Jhilmil Market area to oversee security preparedness.
"Our primary focus remains on our duty; we want to ensure your safety. We aim to prevent any untoward incidents—anything that might compromise the security or safety of the public," stated Joint CP Dumbere.
With the festive rush expected to peak, the force has intensified foot patrolling in high-traffic commercial zones. The goal is to provide a sense of security to shoppers and traders while ensuring that anti-social elements have no opportunity to disrupt the peace during the festivities.