Burst green crackers and only for 2 hours: Karnataka imposes curbs for Diwali
Facing flak from the Opposition, the Karnataka government said it was only following Supreme Court and central government orders while imposing curbs on bursting firecrackers during Diwali.
2 min read
The measures announced on Monday align with the Supreme Court’s directives in multiple writ petitions, enforcing a comprehensive ban on non-green firecrackers to mitigate pollution during Diwali. (File photo)In compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials, has enforced strict restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers across the state during Diwali. Only green crackers will be permitted and they can only be burst during the designated 8 pm to 10 pm period from October 31 to November 2.
Tushar Girinath, Chief Commissioner, BBMP, has instructed all officials to inform the public to use only eco-friendly green crackers and warned of stringent actions against those violating the order. “The sale and use of any firecrackers outside the specified green category are strictly prohibited, with provisions for seizing non-compliant stockpiles and filing criminal cases against violators,” Nath said.
The measures announced on Monday align with the Supreme Court’s directives in multiple writ petitions, enforcing a comprehensive ban on non-green firecrackers to mitigate pollution during Diwali. The KSPCB has also requested the police to conduct regular checks and submit daily compliance reports to the board.
“Our goal is to ensure that public celebrations do not compromise air quality or public health,” a KSPCB official stated.
Earlier, Union minister Pralhad Joshi had criticised the move to impose the curbs, accusing the Congress government of being strict only during Hindu festivals. He also questioned why similar rules were not enforced when early morning prayers begin at 5 am in mosques.
“Why are rules, policies, and restrictions applied only during Hindu festivals—for playing DJs, idol immersion, processions, and fireworks?” he asked, adding that no one could stop people from bursting crackers. “Whatever happens, law will take its course,” Joshi added.
The state government, however, asserted that it was only following Supreme Court and central government orders that limit the window for bursting crackers to two hours and restrict it to green crackers with a decibel level below 125.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre stated that if the central government were to revise its order to allow a longer duration, the Congress government would lift these restrictions.
You May Like
Photos
