‘Don’t use rockets for Ravan dahan’

LUCKNOW:The fire services department has issued safety guidelines to Ravan Dahan committees, banning the use of ‘rockets’ during fireworks prior to Ravana effigy burning on Dussehra.

It has also asked the committees to use of low-intensity crackers and ensure that the effigy burning area is condoned off prior to the ‘Ravan Dahan’. “Such precautions are the need of the hour, hence we are leaving no stone unturned to prevent mishaps during the festive season,” said AB Pandey, chief fire officer, Lucknow.

He said these guidelines have also been issued to Durga Puja and Ramlila committees to ensure adequate safety arrangements at ‘pandals’. “The committees will make a list of crackers to be used in fireworks prior to Ravana Dahan and ensure no rockets are used,” said Pandey.

According to the guidelines, only low intensity fire crackers would be used in Ravan effigy burning. “Ramlila and Durga Puja committees will ensure that fire extinguishers, sand buckets and water drums are in place to avert any fire incidents. As per the guidelines, pandals should also have a second exit,” he stated.

Going by the records of the department, the city has 15 major Ravan Dahan sthals, 25 Ramlila sthals and more than 150 Durga Puja and Jagran points. The department has also sounded a high alert at all fire stations, directing them to be on their toes during the festive season.