Chandigarh, Nov 3 In view of Diwali on November 8, police have stepped up security across Haryana to maintain law and order and prevent fire incidents caused by firecrackers, officials said on Tuesday.
According to police, personnel have been instructed to maintain strict surveillance over the manufacturing, storage, transportation, and sale of firecrackers and ensure strict compliance with prescribed safety standards, deterring unscrupulous elements from violating the law.
Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said ensuring citizens’ safety and maintaining peace and law and order during festivals remain the police’s highest priorities. He directed the police administration to coordinate closely with other concerned departments to ensure Diwali is celebrated in a safe, peaceful, and harmonious atmosphere, and to ensure effective implementation of the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, other courts, and the State Government regarding the sale and use of firecrackers.
Police officers have been directed to launch special drives in their respective jurisdictions to identify firecracker warehouses, storage facilities, sales outlets, and the vehicles and routes used to transport firecrackers, and to inspect shops and licence validity.
The DGP said firecrackers will be sold only at designated and pre-identified locations. Officials said police patrolling and checks will be intensified during Diwali in markets and other sensitive areas. The Fire Department and hospitals have been advised to remain on alert and make necessary arrangements to deal with any emergency.
Police appealed to the public to celebrate Diwali safely and peacefully, buy firecrackers only from authorised vendors, and inform police about any suspicious activity or illegal storage of firecrackers.
(PTI News)
