SDMC identifies 700 spots to burst firecrackers

NEWDELHI: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) identified over 700 spots to burst firecrackers this Diwali on the directions of the Supreme Court. These spots will include patches of barren land, parks, community halls and open spaces located at least 500 metres away from hospitals or dispensaries.

The decision was taken after a meeting with the commissioner Puneet Goel on Friday. “The deputy commissioners in all four zones as well as head of horticulture and engineering departments have been asked to make all arrangements at these spots and spread awareness for their use,” said Goel.

Last week, the apex court had ordered that only “green” crackers — crackers with reduced emission — be manufactured or sold in India. It had also said that bursting of firecrackers would be permitted only during 8-10pm and directed the Centre and state governments in the NCR to identify community fire-cracking spots such as open fields, parks.

The court said that the exercise should be completed within a week beginning October 23.

A senior SDMC official said, “Though the officers are still in the process of identifying more places in their respective zones, we have so far finalised 85 community halls and over 200 parks and open spaces in each of the four zones,” said the official.

“As soon as the list is finalised, a series of campaigns will be organised to urge residents to participate in the celebration in the earmarked spots,” the official said.