Following the firecracker tragedy at Puttingala temple in Kollam, Kerala that claimed 113 lives and left more than 350 injured; the District magistrate of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh  has taken the issue seriously by banning  the use of firecrackers at public events. By doing so, Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state in India to ban crackers at public events. Although it extends only to the capital city as of now; it may extend to the state in near future. The ban is said to be effective from April 21, 2016.

Now, if any need arises to use crackers in public events at Lucknow, permission from District administration is to be sought, who will direct the Chief fire officer for risk assessments. A written permission will be issued to the concern party who will have to produce the document, along with photo ID, in event of purchasing crackers. Whether it’s a matter of wedding, or puja or even cheering for team India in cricket matches, everyone would need prior permission to use fireworks. The fireworks dealers have also been strictly told not to sell any fireworks to customers without the permission letter and photo id.

The District Magistrate of Lucknow has asked the State government of Uttar Pradesh to consider this proposal for the rest of the state for which a reply is yet to surface.

Every tragedy has lesson and it is up to us to learn from them. It’s a first for any city and only time can reveal the effectiveness of it. If successful, it won’t be long before others follow suit.