In an order issued on Friday, South Goa has reportedly prohibited the operation, flying or use of drones or any Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), regardless of size or category. The move comes as a result of the escalating tensions along the border with Pakistan and the heightened threat perception in terms of internal security, critical infrastructure vulnerability and civilian safety. This is a step in the right direction and needs to be extended to the entire state including North Goa.
Be that as it may, it would be in the fitness of things to extend the ban to the use of firecrackers, bomb firecrackers and fireworks, especially rockets which are a part of any celebration. The use of fireworks can be banned for several factors, primarily related to security and public safety. Firecrackers, bomb firecrackers and fireworks, while often used for celebratory purposes, can be misused in a wartime environment. This can cause panic among the citizens.
Fireworks, especially rockets, could even be mistaken for missiles. Fireworks can be a source of joy and celebration. However, their potential for misuse by anti-social elements in order to create panic during wartime far outweighs their benefits, thereby exacerbating the existing tense situation. Firecrackers and bomb firecrackers can be used to simulate attacks. Though there is no specific wartime ban on firecrackers and fireworks in India, it would be in the fitness of things to implement the ban, especially at marriage and other celebrations.
