A cracker of an eco-friendly measure

Fireworks display at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Diwali.

Amritsar, October 27
In a measure aimed at protecting the Golden Temple, the SGPC on Wednesday reduced the duration of fireworks to celebrate Bandhi Chhod Diwas and Diwali to 15 minutes. This was half the time compared to previous years. This is for the first time that the SGPC slashed the time of fireworks to minimise the threat of pollution to the shrine.

SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said, “We had issued instructions to our staff that the fireworks should not exceed 15 minutes and we even warned they would be penalised if they voilated orders. We also ensured that there were no fireworks on the ground. It all took place well in the air and as a result there was minimum possible smoke.” He said they would try to look for some other solution to deal with the pollution in the coming years. “We are concerned about the safety of the Golden Temple and we should take all possible measures to ensure the same.”

“While we are taking measures to reduce the threat of pollution to the Golden Temple, residents continue to burn firecrackers around the shrine. There should be a check on this as it also adds to the pollution in the area,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, in his address to the Sikh community, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh stressed the need to uphold the utmost respect for the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He said repeated instances of sacrilege of the holy book were a serious challenge for the community. He said such incidents were taking place due to the negligence by gurdwara committees, adding that it should be ensured that those heading these committees are baptised Sikhs.