Chandigarh's Diwali celebrations kept emergency services on high alert as the city witnessed a surge in firecracker-related incidents throughout the festival night. The police control room found itself overwhelmed with distress calls, painting a picture of a chaotic evening across the Union Territory.
Emergency Services Stretched to Limits
According to official data, the Chandigarh Police responded to an astonishing 137 emergency calls specifically related to firecrackers during Diwali night. The non-stop ringing of phones at the control room indicated the scale of public concern and the potential hazards associated with fireworks misuse.
Municipal Corporation's Firefighting Efforts
While police handled the emergency calls, the Municipal Corporation's fire department reported 18 separate fire incidents that required their immediate attention. These fires, likely triggered by fireworks, kept firefighting teams busy throughout the celebration period, moving from one location to another to contain the blazes.
Pattern of Public Complaints
The nature of complaints received by police ranged from:
- Illegal bursting of crackers in prohibited areas
- Firecrackers being thrown at people and vehicles
- Concerns about noise pollution affecting elderly and sick residents
- Safety hazards near residential buildings
- Potential fire risks in densely populated areas
Strain on Emergency Resources
The high volume of calls placed significant pressure on Chandigarh's emergency response systems. Police personnel had to be strategically deployed across various sectors to address the complaints promptly, while ensuring that regular law and order duties weren't compromised during the festive period.
Broader Implications for Festival Safety
This year's Dinight statistics highlight the ongoing challenges cities face during major festivals. The substantial number of emergency calls raises important questions about:
- Public awareness regarding safe celebration practices
- The effectiveness of existing regulations on firecracker usage
- The need for better enforcement mechanisms during peak celebration times
- Community-level initiatives to promote safer alternatives
As Chandigarh recovers from the Diwali night frenzy, the incident data serves as a crucial reference point for authorities planning for future festivals. The numbers clearly indicate that while celebrations are important, public safety cannot be compromised, and more robust systems might be necessary to handle such seasonal spikes in emergency situations.
