In a move to protect the health of senior citizens and children and combat air and noise pollution, the Karnataka State Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar Khandre has urged citizens to either forgo firecrackers this Deepavali or use only green crackers from 8 PM and 10 PM.
Acknowledging the traditional link between the festival of lights and firecrackers, the Minister emphasized the environmental harm caused by chemical-based crackers, when he was speaking to the media at Vikas Soudha.
He directed officials to enforce regulations and strictly promote green crackers’ sale. Shopkeepers must provide an undertaking to stock and sell only eco-friendly options.
Highlighting rulings from the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court, which ban high-decibel and smoke-emitting crackers, Khandre stressed that green crackers can only be used between 8 PM and 10 PM, and the public must adhere to these guidelines.
Where to lodge complaint for violation? What action would be taken ?