Like last year, Karnataka govt likely to allow green crackers this Diwali

KEY STORY

• During this year’s Diwali celebrations, the Karnataka government is likely to allow the use of green crackers. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) officials said they are awaiting guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the matter.

• KSPCB member secretary Srinivasulu K said: “As of now no decision has been taken. Based on the CPCB guidelines, we will send our recommendations to the government. However, public health is the priority during Covid19”

• Green crackers are developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) lab and product approval for the new formulation is given by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

• Mahesh Kashyap, an environmental consultant, requested a robust mechanism to prevent regular crackers from being smuggled into green cracker packets.

• “All crackers, whether regular or green, emit smoke. It affects people who are already experiencing symptoms by affecting their respiratory system. This will worsen their condition and make them more vulnerable to the coronavirus. The festival of lights is known as Diwali. The government should impose a total prohibition on the use of any kind of cracker. Furthermore, Covid is not yet finished. Is it possible for the government to tell us if the effect of green crackers on human health during Covid has been investigated?” Kashyap explained.

• Last year, after issuing a blanket ban on the bursting of crackers, the state government came under attack from pro-Hindutva groups. Buckling under pressure, former chief minister BS Yediyurappa allowed green crackers.