Additionally, police forces will be deployed in key residential areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations. These measures were decided to prevent the use of banned firecrackers.

“Special instructions have been given for high-rise buildings. Anyone who violates the law, strict action will be taken,” said Commissioner of Police Manoj Verma. Associations of high-rise buildings have been asked to keep their terraces locked.

“We are hopeful that there will be no untoward incident during Kali Puja and Diwali. However, we remain cautious. We have been seeing some events for the past few days. Social media is also being monitored,” Verma added.

In accordance with Supreme Court guidelines, the bursting of firecrackers will only be permitted between 8 pm and 10 pm on October 31.

Baji bazaars, or firecracker markets, will be operational until November 1 at Tala Park, Shahid Minar, Behala Blind School, and Kalikapur’s Aguan Sangha.

Bidhannagar Police have formed dedicated teams to visit housing complexes across the city to educate residents about safety measures.

Importantly, the use of laser lights and sky lanterns is strictly prohibited near airport areas.

The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (PCB) has also taken proactive measures to monitor air quality during the festive season. “Like yesteryears, this year too, high-rise building activities will be under vigilance using drones,” said PCB Principal Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar.

PCB Chairman Dr. Kalyan Rudra highlighted the significance of air quality management in urban areas. “Out of the world’s 131 most populated cities, Kolkata, Barrackpore, Haldia, Howrah, Durgapur, and Asansol are on the list,” he said.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to traditional customs and refraining from introducing new practices that could “pose environmental risks”. Additionally, they have identified “anti-social elements” for special monitoring.