Only green firecrackers with QR codes to be imported, sold in Bengal: Calcutta HC
Kolkata, Oct 11: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed that no fireworks other than green crackers bearing QR codes would be imported and sold in West Bengal.
It also said that only green crackers bearing QR codes would be sold at a 'bazi bazar' (firecracker market) which is proposed to be held in Kolkata from October 18.
The court directed that representatives of the state pollution control board (PCB) and police personnel will inspect firecrackers which would be sold at the market and the police will seize banned firecrackers which are offered for sale there.
A division bench comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and Apurba Sinha Roy directed the state PCB and the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata to deploy the appropriate number of personnel in the 'bazi bazar' to ensure implementation of the direction.
"Similar exercise shall be undertaken by pollution control board and police authorities to prevent importation and sale of firecrackers other than green firecrackers bearing QR code in any place in the state of West Bengal," the court directed.
The bench also said that all necessary steps be taken by the police authorities and PCB officials to ensure only green crackers are burst during the ensuing festive season in compliance with the directions of the board.
The court directed the PCB and the West Bengal government to undertake public awareness measures, including issuance of advertisements in newspapers, and announcements on radio/ television/social media platforms, to spread information about restrictions on the sale and bursting of crackers during the festive season and its beneficial impact on pollution and environment.
"We hope and trust that the festival of lights does not become a cause for concern where the demon of pollution poisons our air and leads to irreparable damage to the health of the population at large," the bench said.
Seeking a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the state, counsel for the petitioner in the PIL submitted that earlier directions given by the Supreme Court in a case have been flagrantly violated in West Bengal.
He claimed that this has resulted in severe noise and air pollution in Kolkata and other parts of the state in previous years.
Counsel for the PCB informed the court that it issued directions on October 26, 2021, permitting the sale and bursting of green crackers only in West Bengal on specified dates.
The traders' society prayed for permission to trade and sell green firecrackers during the ensuing festive season.
Sara Bangla Atashbazi Unnayan Samity's Babla Roy hailed the court order in the run-up to the Kali Puja-Diwali festivals when demand for firecrackers soars.
"This is a victory for 31 lakh people involved in this industry. We will follow the high court order and ensure that environment-friendly and less smoke-generating firecrackers are made following all prescribed guidelines. Those who will not follow norms should be prosecuted," Roy said.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
