Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, J&K – October 17, 2025
On the eve of the auspicious festival of Diwali, which falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma, JKAS, has directed all concerned departments to ensure public safety. Following these directions, the Office of the Assistant Director, Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES), Command Kishtwar, has issued a comprehensive Public Notice: Safety Advisory for the citizens of District Kishtwar.
The advisory aims to prevent fire accidents, injuries, and environmental damage during the celebrations, particularly from the use of firecrackers. The F&ES Department has urged all residents to follow the guidelines strictly to ensure a joyous and secure festival of lights for everyone.
National Imperative: Supreme Court Directives and Pollution Control
The preventive measures outlined by the local administration are in line with the national fight against air pollution, which is exacerbated by firecrackers. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly intervened to regulate firecrackers, particularly in the high-pollution zone of Delhi-NCR, recognizing that clean air is a fundamental right for all citizens.
Recently, the Apex Court relaxed the blanket ban in Delhi-NCR as a “test case,” permitting the sale and use of only NEERI-approved ‘green crackers’ for a limited time on select days. However, the strict monitoring, QR-code verification, and prohibition of polluting chemicals like barium salts set a national precedent. This judicial focus underscores a core message for every city: while celebrating festive traditions, the right to health and a clean environment must be prioritized, making safe and responsible cracker use a national obligation.
Essential Safety Guidelines: Do’s and Don’ts
The F&ES has outlined strict protocols regarding the use of firecrackers and the lighting of diyas.
Do’s (To Ensure Safety)
* Location: Only light firecrackers in an open area, away from residential structures, lanes, by-lanes, and crowded places.
* Fire Safety: Keep a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher, or sand readily available for immediate use in case of a fire.
* Attire: Wear well-fitted cotton clothing and footwear. Avoid synthetic, nylon, or loose, flowing clothes which can catch fire easily.
* Ignition: Use an incense stick or a long-handled sparkler to light firecrackers, keeping a safe distance.
* Supervision: Adult supervision is mandatory when children are handling sparklers or any kind of firecrackers.
* Disposal: Fully douse used firecrackers in water before disposing of them to ensure all embers are extinguished.
* Home Safety: Keep earthen lamps (diyas) and candles away from flammable materials like curtains, carpets, and dry leaves.
Don’ts (To Avoid Accidents)
* Avoid Indoor Use: Do not light any firecrackers inside residential houses, on terraces, or staircases.
* Children Alone: Do not allow children to play with firecrackers alone.
* Faulty Crackers: Never attempt to relight an un-burst (dud) firecracker. Wait for it to cool down, then safely dispose of it in water.
* Hand Sanitizers: Avoid lighting crackers immediately after using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which are highly flammable.
* Handling: Do not hold crackers in your hand while lighting them, and keep your hair tied back.
* Sensitive Areas: Do not burst crackers near hospitals, schools, fuel stations, or animal shelters.
First Aid and Emergency Contacts
In the unfortunate event of a cracker-related injury, the public is advised to follow specific first aid protocols and seek immediate medical help.
First Aid Tips for Burn Injuries
* Cool the Burn: Immediately cool the affected area under cold running water for at least 10 minutes to reduce tissue damage.
* Cover: Cover the burn loosely with a clean, dry cloth or sterile bandage.
* Medical Help: For severe, deep, or extensive burns, or burns to the eyes, face, hands, or feet, seek medical help immediately. Do not apply oil, toothpaste, or home remedies.
Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma, JKAS, DC Kishtwar, appealed to the community to embrace a responsible and joyous Diwali, keeping safety and environment protection as the foremost priority.
