Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

Pollution board bans 1000 walas, hydrogen bombs

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI OCT. 15. Many popular Diwali crackers were blacklisted this year, as part of the government drive to keep the festival less noisy and pollution-free.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has banned production of crackers with over 125 decibel levels, and warned of tough action against units which fail to comply with the order. It already has issued show-cause notices to two Sivakasi units.

While `flower pots', sparklers and safe fireworks are allowed, the ban rules out other favourites - hydrogen bombs, atom bombs, classic bombs, `1,000 walas' and the popular Lakshmi, Krishna, Netaji, Jumbo, Peacock, Horse and Parrot crackers. The TNPCB made it mandatory for the cracker units to get its consent orders on giving an undertaking that they would not manufacture crackers with over 125 decibel levels.

``We approached the companies through their associations, and 146 of the 158 units which applied for permission have been given consent orders,'' Sheela Rani Chunkath, Chairperson, TNPCB, told a press conference today.

The effort, however, does not rule out the noisemakers. While many of the larger units have stuck to the norms, the smaller manufacturers, mostly fly-by night operators, who set shop during Deepavali and wind up soon after, have been resisting the board orders, say officials.

``We have issued notices to two small units and, if they do not comply, will issue closure orders. Criminal action can also be taken if necessary,'' Ms. Chunkath said.

Yet, about 40 per cent of the bombs and crackers manufactured this year have exceeded the stipulated norms.

During the festival, the board would monitor sound levels in the State to ensure compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, which ban loud fireworks and bar bursting of crackers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The police are authorised to take action.

Bursting of crackers is also prohibited in silent zones — near hospitals, schools and courts. Violations could attract fines of Rs.1,000 and even imprisonment.

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