Chennai Police have laid out crucial safety guidelines for the public during the Diwali festival, in adherence to Supreme Court directives and Tamil Nadu government guidelines. On November 12, 2023, Chennai Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sandeep Roy Rathore issued the following regulations and safety instructions:
Only use eco-friendly Green Firecrackers, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Firecracker use is restricted to two hours: 06.00 am to 07.00 am and 07.00 pm to 08.00 pm.
Do not use firecrackers that produce sound above 125 decibels within 4 meters. Avoid Chinese-made explosives.
Keep firecrackers away from flammable materials, parking areas, and petrol stations.
Do not throw lit firecrackers, as it poses a danger to bystanders.
Avoid bursting firecrackers in public areas.
Do not cover tin cans when lighting firecrackers.
Refrain from exploding rockets in slum areas and near tall buildings.
Keep firecrackers away from open flames.
Do not dry wet crackers in the kitchen.
Supervise children when they light firecrackers.
Avoid firecrackers near huts or thatched roofs.
No smoking near firecracker shops, and dispose of cigarette butts responsibly.
Do not burst firecrackers near shops or for advertising purposes.
Firecracker sellers must not use candles, petromax lamps, or chimney lamps in their shops.
Avoid using blowers in places where firecrackers are stored.
Use long blowtorches instead of matches or fire to ignite fireworks.
Be cautious of pedestrians during firecracker celebrations.
Educate parents and teachers about fire safety rules.