Bengaluru, Oct 31: The Government of Karnataka has issued a significant order aimed at controlling air and noise pollution during the Diwali festival. In accordance with Supreme Court directives, the bursting of firecrackers in the state is permitted only between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM for a three-day period, from November 8 to November 10.
Ban on Firecrackers Near Hospitals and Schools:
This decision was reached following a high-level meeting involving the Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Ramalinga Reddy, and officials from the Environment Department. Bursting firecrackers outside the designated time is strictly prohibited; District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police have been instructed to ensure the strict enforcement of this rule. Specifically, the establishment of ‘no-firecracker zones’ around hospitals, schools, and major religious/places of worship has been mandated.
Permission for the Sale of ‘Green Crackers’:
Crucially, only ‘Green Crackers’ are permitted for sale and use within the state. It is mandatory for the boxes containing these green crackers to feature a QR code. It has been warned that if firecrackers lacking this mark are sold or transported illegally, they will be confiscated, and criminal cases will be registered against those responsible.
The public has been urged to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali; the government has requested that people light more lamps and reduce the use of firecrackers, thereby helping to safeguard the health of the elderly, children, and animals.