Madurai district superintendent of police R Siva Prasad said that only green crackers were sold and burst during Diwali as per the Supreme Court order.
In a statement, he said that crackers can be burst only for two hours on the day of Diwali – between 6 am and 7 am; And in addition to 7 pm and 8 pm, firecrackers producing sound more than 125 decibels should neither be sold nor used as per the provisions of environmental protection rules. Similarly Chinese crackers were not allowed.
The SP asked people to be careful about the presence of highly inflammable material like thatch while bursting crackers, the SP said that children should be allowed to use crackers only under the supervision of elders.
A bucket of water should be kept ready around for emergency use. Firecrackers should not be burst near hospitals, petrol pumps, schools, courts and places of worship.
People can take immediate help by dialing Police Helpline 100, Fire and Rescue Services 112 and Ambulance Service 108 in case of any kind of accident.
The police had advised people not to keep firecrackers in hand and to avoid wearing clothes with highly inflammable material. The SP also warned people against harassing animals with firecrackers.
Firecrackers should not be carried in buses and trains. The police had also warned of legal action if firecrackers were used for violating conditions or were sold without a licence.