EXCLUSIVE » Station heads at the grassroots level mid-day spoke to admit they face an uphill task enforcing high court guidelines after BMC puts onus on city police
Firecrackers are burst at Marine Drive on the occasion of Bhaubeej. File pic
The Mumbai Police is all set to crack the whip on those who burst crackers outside the three-hour window established by the Bombay High Court to curb air pollution during Diwali. Cops will patrol the streets and warn violators. And if their words fall on deaf ears, offences will be registered. However, several policemen told mid-day it’s virtually impossible to stop the bursting of crackers within housing societies and complexes. The policemen, however, said they will ensure that open spaces where crackers are commonly burst, won’t see such activities.
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Satyanarayan Choudhary, joint commissioner (law and order). Pic/Ashish Raje
Mumbai experienced a decline in its air quality on Monday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 193, approaching the ‘poor’ category. Based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), out of 23 monitoring stations, 12 reported AQI levels ranging between 200 and 300, indicating poor air quality. The most severe AQI was recorded at Deonar, at 278; followed by Mulund, at 273; Chembur, at 247; and Kandivali East and Bandra Kurla Complex, where the AQI was almost 240.
The Bombay High Court, taking suo-motu cognisance of the issue, expressed deep concern about the situation. The court directed that the bursting of crackers during Diwali be restricted to between 7 pm and 10 pm daily. Earlier, this window was from 10 pm to 6 am. The court has directed the civic authorities and the police to ensure that its order is complied with.
Cops reveal their instructions
“We have been instructed to patrol the areas in our jurisdiction rigorously after 10 pm. We have also been told to respond as quickly as possible to citizens’ complaints about bursting crackers after the stipulated time,” said a senior police inspector.
Firecrackers are burst at Shivaji Park on October 26, 2022. Pic/Ashish Raje
He added, “We have also conveyed messages about the matter via various citizens’ WhatsApp groups and have also told officers and constables attached to various groups to keep spreading the message and urging citizens to adhere to the court’s guidelines.” The top brass has instructed senior police inspectors to keep a close eye on open areas where firecrackers are usually burst and if possible ensure staff is posted there to deter violators. If citizens don’t follow the police’s instructions, they will be booked under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).
Challenging task
“Frankly speaking, it’s impossible to keep a tab on each and every housing society, but we have involved mohalla committees and societies to ensure there’s no bursting of crackers after 10 pm. Comparing the strength of the police force and the population of the city, we can't keep going after housing societies and complexes. So, we have asked schools and colleges to pass on the message to students as they are the ones who mostly burst crackers,” said a senior inspector.
Stating that police officers will be stationed at all beaches and open grounds, another policeman said, “Open spaces will be vacated after 10 pm and no person will be allowed there with firecrackers. If we find someone indulging in such activities, they will be warned. But if they still don’t listen, they will be booked and their crackers will be impounded.”
“We expect the order to have a positive impact on citizens as they are mostly the ones who suffer, but we will also make sure it is followed,” he added.
Even though a strategy is in place, many policemen said it’s impossible to curb all violations. “The bursting of crackers will mostly start from Laxmi Poojan and will continue until Bhaubheej. But as many citizens are complaining about health issues, we believe that people will either stay away from the crackers or ensure their society isn’t contributing to pollution. We believe that most citizens will adhere to the guidelines and are hoping there will be a drop in cracker bursting during the festival,” commented a senior police officer.
“We have instructed our men to keep an eye on their jurisdiction and we will make sure that the guidelines given by the court are duly followed,” said Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) Satyanarayan Choudhary.
Cops’ strategy
>> To patrol the city after 10 pm
>> Focus on open spaces such as beaches, grounds and promenades
>> Warning citizens who burst crackers after 10 pm
>> Booking those who ignore instructions
Section 188
IPC section criminalises disobedience of an order
193
Mumbai’s AQI on Monday
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