CHANDIGARH: Amid escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border following Operation Sindoor, the deputy commissioners of six border districts — Amritsar, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Pathankot — have ordered a complete ban on the use of fireworks in their respective jurisdictions.
In Gurdaspur, the Deputy Commissioner has also ordered a blackout from 9 pm to 5 am starting today until further notice. The blackout will not apply to cantonment areas and hospitals.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni issued specific orders banning fireworks at weddings, celebrations, and religious events.
“As per directions from the central and state governments, mock drills are being conducted under the Civil Defence Act, 1968, across several districts to prepare for any eventuality,” the order read. It noted that fireworks during routine events like marriages and festivals often cause fear and confusion among the public, potentially disturbing law and order.
The ban, enacted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will remain in effect until further notice and is aimed at preventing panic and maintaining public order.
Sources confirmed that the deputy commissioners of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot have issued similar blanket bans on fireworks.
In addition, to curb hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities such as food, petrol, diesel, fodder, and other daily-use items, a special task force has been formed in Amritsar. The team, led by the district food supply controller and the mandi officer, will conduct surprise inspections and take strict action against violators.
Helpline numbers for public assistance have been released. DC Sahni assured that there is no shortage of essential goods and urged the public not to panic or resort to hoarding.
“Uninterrupted access to essential items at fair prices will be ensured, especially for the vulnerable sections of society,” she said.
In Jalandhar, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said blackout orders would be enforced only when red alerts are issued by the Air Force or Army.
Meanwhile, the deputy commissioners of Amritsar and Tarn Taran have ordered all government, aided, and private schools in their districts to remain closed from May 8 to May 11, citing the safety of children as the reason.