Liu Shinan

End of ban lights fuse of festive fun

By Liu Shinan (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-01-25 06:04

Beijing's ban on fireworks has finally been lifted.

When the capital, and most other major cities in China, instituted the interdiction in 1994 to prevent noise and injuries caused by the letting-off of fireworks and firecrackers, I thought it was peremptory robbery of common urban residents', especially children's, pleasure in celebrating the New Year. The unspoken resentment lingered for many years.

However, when the authorities decided to abrogate the ruling, I began to develop a contradictory attitude, worrying about possible injuries and deafening noises. Three reasons: First, fireworks are no longer what they were 12 years ago. They have become more violent. Though fireworks were banned in cities, wealthy people kept firing them in suburbs and fireworks plants have been producing more powerful varieties to meet these people's appetite for a more boisterous and dazzling display of wealth.

Second, the lift of the ban in comparatively more affluent cities across the country has suddenly brought about a market promising opulent profits. Fireworks plants, including illegally set-up small ones, have been racing against time to churn out millions of tons of fireworks since last year when they got wind of the annulment of the moratorium. God knows what kind of quality the products will be!

Third, after 12 years of suppression, common people's zeal for letting off fireworks and firecrackers will most probably be vented in an extremely vehement outbreak.

I really worry that the situation will get out of control.

The government has realized the possible dangers. Precautionary measures have been taken. Fireworks are available only in specially authorized shops. Vulnerable places such as gas stations, kindergartens, hospitals and transport hubs have been set off limits. A long list of don'ts has been announced on ways of letting off fireworks and penalties have been set down in detail. Hospitals and fire brigades have been ordered to stand by for emergencies.

I wonder how many public security and market supervision officers will be needed to execute the precautions and penalties amid the public's first-ever release, after 12 years, of their passion for a clamorous, incandescent celebration of the Spring Festival.

The dilemma is: It is very likely that many members of the public, especially teenagers that are very excited to have fun with what they have never experienced before, ignore the rules and go wild, which will make it very difficult to monitor and execute the precautions; however, once the rules are set, they have to be executed seriously, otherwise laws and rules lose their authenticity. Is the government determined enough to execute the rules to the letter?

The government has to if it hopes to maintain the seriousness of laws and rules.

To strictly execute the above-mentioned rules, however, needs numerous law enforcers. Will the government have the heart to ask so many officers to sacrifice their joy to engage in intense work during the Chinese nation's most treasured holidays?

The dilemma is really a tough challenge. The government has to face the test.

This is the result of the stupid policy it adopted 12 years ago. If more meticulously drafted measures were adopted to advise the public on the proper ways of playing with fireworks at that time rather than issuing the icy-worded ban, there wouldn't be such a dilemma. And the festive atmosphere wouldn't be marred by so many security measures.

This is a lesson to be learned. All decisions have to be made with extreme caution if it involves the broad masses. Careful, patient work is needed. A simple ban is easily made but it is also a demonstration of inability.

Email: liushinan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/25/2006 page4)