Kodagu and Chamarajanagar restrict firecracker use to two hours
District administrations have issued guidelines for an eco-friendly Deepavali, permitting the bursting of crackers only between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The district administrations of Kodagu and Chamarajanagar have announced that firecrackers can only be burst between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. during Deepavali, according to The Hindu.
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekar stated that only green crackers recommended by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) should be used, citing an order from the National Green Tribunal.
Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner referred to Supreme Court directions, noting that bursting crackers outside the permitted 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. window is prohibited.
Mr. Somashekar said the stocking, sale, and use of firecrackers generating noise above 125 decibels are strictly prohibited. He added that the use of explosives is banned at all times in silence zones, such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and old-age homes.
The administration noted that only green crackers bearing a green cracker logo and QR code on their packaging should be sold. Those selling or storing firecrackers must obtain necessary permissions from all concerned departments.
Mr. Somashekar said firecrackers cause air and noise pollution, harm the environment, and affect human health, birds, and animals. He urged the public to celebrate the festival in a simple and pollution-free manner.