Following directions by the Supreme Court on community bursting of firecrackers at designated areas in the city during Diwali, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) on Wednesday decided to deploy fire tenders at the 29 sites, which are mostly located on barren plots of land, parks and community centres.
DFS director G.C. Misra said that 1,600 firemen and 200 fire tenders will be on duty during the Diwali days — November 6 and 7. “We had a meeting with officers of other departments over preparation to counter any untoward incident during Diwali,” said Mr. Misra.
He said that additional fire tenders have been put on standby at each fire station. All divisional officers have been directed to ensure the availability of wireless sets in maximum number of units at the stations, said the director.
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To ensure maximum attendance of personnel on Diwali, all leaves have been cancelled.
“In case any Resident Welfare Association (RWA) wants to organise community fireworks in their society, they need a NOC from the area SDM and the SHO of the local police station. After getting clearance, the DFS will deploy fire tender in the area,” said Mr. Misra.
He added that pollution levels were higher this year as compare to previous years. “The wind velocity is low, temperature is also decreasing and humidity will rise... all these factors will reduce quick dispersal of the smog. The smog will stay for a longer time, which will lead to severe pollution levels,” said Mr. Misra.
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He advised Delhiites to celebrate Diwali safely and refrain from bursting fire crackers.