NGO seeks crackdown on dangerous cracker sale

NGO Awaaz Foundation on Tuesday wrote letters to senior officers in the police department to monitor whether the firecrackers in the market are adhering to rules.

On October 19, Awaaz along with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) conducted tests where a number of crackers were found flouting the permissible decibel norms. “We have also given the police a list of crackers containing heavy metals that are hazardous. The police should cancel licences of the who have these firecrackers in their shops,” said Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation.

The chemical content of the crackers that were tested for noise pollution were also tested for hazardous metals. They were tested using Niton, a sensitive meter, capable of detecting heavy metals.  Around 15 crackers tested positive for heavy metals and 11 were found to contain heavy metals that are harmful to humans and are banned under the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules 1989. 

Sadanand Date, joint commissioner of law and order, said: “We will call Abdulali for a discussion.
Last year, we had worked with them and this year too we will circulate the findings of the NGO and MPCB for implementation. We will ensure that the noise pollution control rules are followed.”