Karnataka has issued directives allowing firecrackers only between 8 pm and 10 pm during Deepavali (Representative image)
After holding a review meeting with officials of the environment and ecology department and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), forest, environment and ecology minister Ramalinga Reddy said directions had been issued to all district administrations and enforcement agencies to comply with the Apex Court’s orders. The directive follows the Supreme Court’s directions and guidelines aimed at curbing noise and air pollution during the festive period, which coincides with the winter season. The minister has also instructed deputy commissioners and superintendents of police in all districts, along with local municipal administrations, to strictly enforce the restrictions and ensure that fireworks are not burst at any time other than the permitted hours. “All green crackers and their packaging will carry the prescribed green cracker mark and QR code, which will be verified by the respective district environmental officers during their vigilance drives across Karnataka. Fireworks without these markings and QR codes will not be recognised as green crackers and will be liable for seizure,” the minister cautioned traders while urging people to purchase only green crackers. To ensure compliance, all deputy commissioners have been directed to constitute district-level task forces comprising fire department officials, health officers, tahsildars, district environmental officers, police personnel, concerned citizens and representatives of non-governmental organisations. The state government has further directed the commercial taxes department and police to seize banned fireworks being illegally transported from other states at state borders. The minister stressed that responsible celebrations would help minimise air and noise pollution and protect the health of children, senior citizens, birds and animals.