Karnataka has restricted Deepavali fireworks to a two-hour window from 8pm to 10pm between November 8 and 10, with only approved green crackers permitted across the state. The directive is aimed at limiting festive-season air and noise pollution and follows the Supreme Court’s directions on fireworks use.
The decision was announced after a review meeting involving officials from the environment and ecology department and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. Environment and Ecology Minister Ramalinga Reddy said directions had been issued to district administrations and enforcement agencies to implement the restrictions.
Deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and local municipal administrations have been instructed to ensure that fireworks are not burst outside the permitted two-hour period. District authorities have also been directed to prevent fireworks use near hospitals, educational institutions and other prohibited areas.
The state has warned traders and consumers that only green crackers carrying the prescribed green-cracker mark and QR code will be recognised as permitted fireworks. District environmental officers will verify these markings during vigilance drives. Fireworks without the required mark and QR code will be liable for seizure.
To enforce the rules, deputy commissioners have been asked to form district-level task forces including fire department officials, health officers, tahsildars, district environmental officers, police personnel, citizens and representatives of non-governmental organisations. These teams will inspect fireworks dealers’ warehouses across their jurisdictions.
If prohibited fireworks are found in a warehouse, the premises will be sealed and criminal cases will be initiated against those responsible, according to the state government’s instructions. The commercial taxes department and police have also been directed to seize banned fireworks being transported illegally from other states at Karnataka’s borders. Vehicles used for such transport may be confiscated through the Transport Department.
The enforcement plan places district administrations and local bodies at the centre of implementation. Municipal administrations will be responsible for supporting compliance in urban areas, while local bodies have been asked to ensure the scientific disposal of solid waste generated during the celebrations.
The state government will conduct awareness campaigns 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 involved in communicating the health effects of fireworks and the restrictions on their use.
Reddy urged residents to celebrate by lighting more lamps and reducing fireworks use, highlighting the need to protect children, senior citizens, birds and animals. The restrictions will apply during the three-day period from November 8 to 10, with enforcement agencies directed to act against violations.
