India, Oct. 20 -- Kolkata, once known as a 'model city' for controlling the menace of fireworks, witnessed large scale violations even before Diwali day arrived this year.

Pockets of the city had a blast on October 19 evening, more than 24 hours before the Supreme Court directed two-hour deadline from 8 pm on Diwali day starts to roll out. Incidentally, in context to a hearing, the Calcutta High Court had recently also asked the West Bengal administration to ensure strict compliance of the timeline. The state pollution control board admitted that they received a few complaints regarding fireworks on October 19 evening, a testimony to the trend.

"In the state of West Bengal only green crackers can be sold and bursting of such crackers sh...