Karnataka has limited Deepavali fireworks to a two-hour window from 8pm to 10pm between November 8 and 10, with only green crackers permitted across the state. The restrictions were announced after a review meeting involving the environment and ecology department and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, and are intended to curb noise and air pollution during the festival.
Environment and Ecology Minister Ramalinga Reddy said directions had been issued to district administrations and enforcement agencies to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions and related guidelines. The government has instructed deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and local municipal administrations to enforce the timing restrictions and prevent fireworks from being used outside the permitted window.
District authorities have also been directed to ensure that fireworks are not burst near hospitals, educational institutions and other prohibited areas. The government has appealed to residents to reduce the use of fireworks and mark the festival by lighting more lamps, citing the need to protect children, senior citizens, birds and animals from pollution and noise.
Under the green-cracker requirement, approved fireworks and their packaging must carry the prescribed green-cracker mark and a QR code. District environmental officers will verify these markings during vigilance drives. Fireworks without the required mark and QR code will not be recognised as green crackers and may be seized, the minister said.
The state has directed every deputy commissioner to form a district-level task force to monitor compliance. These teams will include fire department officials, health officers, tahsildars, district environmental officers, police personnel, citizens and representatives of non-governmental organisations. They will inspect fireworks dealers’ warehouses and take action against stocks that contain prohibited crackers.
The government said warehouses found storing prohibited fireworks could be sealed and criminal cases initiated against those responsible. The commercial taxes department and police have also been asked to intercept banned fireworks being transported illegally from other states. Vehicles used for such transportation may be confiscated through the Transport Department.
The enforcement plan extends beyond dealers and transporters. Awareness campaigns will be organised at metro and railway stations, bus stands and shopping malls using posters, pamphlets and audio-visual material. Local television and radio channels will also be used to communicate the restrictions and explain the health effects associated with fireworks.
Local bodies have been asked to ensure the scientific disposal of solid waste generated during the celebrations. The directions place municipal administrations alongside police, district officials and environmental officers in managing both the permitted fireworks window and the clean-up that follows the three-day festival period.
