The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued a circular letting out the guidelines for Deepavali this year. The circular allows the bursting of firecrackers for two hours between 8 pm and 10 pm, during Diwali. The order also reiterated that only ‘green crackers’ would be allowed. The crackers that add to noise pollution have been banned.
The circular read that the BBMP chief commissioner, Fire and Emergency Services Department, City Police Commissioner, Health Department, and the district administrations should follow the guidelines laid down by the apex court.
The KSPCB guidelines are in accordance with the SC orders
Directions to the authorities
The KSPCB has written separate letters to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and Bengaluru district administration, and the police force. The body has directed the authorities to enforce the two-hour rule on crackers. The board has appointed a ‘scientific officer’ to control the sale of non-eco-friendly crackers, supervise the situation on the ground, and promote the sale of ‘green crackers’. The officer will also be responsible to inspect the quality of the products being sold.
“The Supreme Court allowed bursting of crackers only from 8 pm to 10 pm and banned the same during other hours of the festival days. Further, it banned all sorts of crackers other than green ones. Hence, all enforcement agencies must ensure compliance with the SC guidelines,” the letter read.
The Board is promoting the use of Green Crackers over the non-eco-friendly ones
Violation of the rules would mean…
The circular mentions a rule for vendors to sell only ‘Green Crackers’. Legal action will be initiated against the vendor and the shop if the rule is violated. To measure the pollution in Bengaluru, the KSPCB has installed devices across the city. The circular has asked the officials to take steps to promote safety measures while celebrating the festival.
