Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: South Central Railway (SCR) has registered 219 cases against violators smoking on the railway premises in an unexpected catch during the month-long drive against firecrackers.The drive, carried out between October 18 and November 16, aimed to create awareness among rail users about the potential hazards associated with carrying firecrackers in trains. Seven cases were also registered against violators carrying firecrackers and inflammable articles in this regard. Chief Public Relations Officer of SCR, Ch Rakesh, said, Throughout the drive, 1,540 checks were carried out at different railway stations. A total of 1,028 checks were conducted in various trains and 186 other checks took place at railway premises such as yards and washing lines. As part of the drive, extensive public appeals were made through regular announcements at railway stations, social media, newspapers and advertisements. All these measures have made rail users more alert to public safety and railway assets. Subsequently, a fewer number cases of people carrying firecrackers were detected, railway authorities said.Under section 164 and 165 of the Railway Act 1989, carrying inflammable and explosive articles in trains is a punishable offence. It can attract a fine worth Rs1000 or jail for up to three years, or both.Section 167 of the Railways Act specifies that anyone found smoking in a compartment despite prohibition from a co-passenger is liable for a fine worth Rs 100. We also published the following articles recentlyAhmedabad railway division launch intensive drive against inflammable items in trainsThe Ministry of Railways has instructed zonal railways to crack down on the carriage of inflammable items during the festive season. Passengers are urged not to carry or allow others to carry objects such as firecrackers and gas cylinders on trains. Zonal railway divisions, including Ahmedabad, have launched awareness campaigns and are making regular announcements at stations. Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police have been alerted, and luggage and parcels are being thoroughly scanned. Thirteen cases have been registered, with 13 arrests and the seizure of inflammable items worth Rs 1.63 lakh.Violation of firecracker rules: Chennai police register 581 casesThe Greater Chennai City Police has registered 581 cases for violating cracker rules, twice the number from last year. Most cases (554) were for bursting firecrackers beyond the time specified by the Supreme Court. Eight firecracker shopkeepers were booked for violating Tamil Nadu government rules, and 19 individuals were charged for using firecrackers with excessive noise. A total of 2,206 cases were registered across the state, with 18,000 policemen deployed to monitor celebrations. The Supreme Court has banned the use of certain firecrackers and joined crackers.You have police, why didnt you stop firecrackers: Gopal Rai questions BJP on firecracker violationsDelhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has accused BJP leaders of promoting firecracker bursting during Diwali, leading to increased pollution in the city. He criticized their attempts to shift blame and questioned why firecrackers were still being burst despite the ban. The air quality in Delhi remains in the Severe category, with pollution levels higher than the previous day. Restrictions on private vehicles will continue, and measures such as water sprinkling will be implemented to suppress dust particles. Despite the ban, people in several parts of Delhi flouted the restrictions and burst fireworks.

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