KSPCB to enforce green firecrackers this Deepavali

Hubballi: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is gearing up to restrict the use of prohibited firecrackers during the upcoming Deepavali festival, promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives instead. In the near future, KSPCB officials will randomly collect samples of firecrackers available in the market and subject them to tests to assess their impact on noise and air pollution levels.By conducting these tests, the KSPCB aims to ensure usage of green crackers during Deepavali festival this time. The initiative is part of the board's efforts to minimise the negative environmental impact of the festival while still allowing people to celebrate with less harmful firecrackers.The move comes in response to the growing concern over the detrimental effects of traditional firecrackers on air quality and noise levels during Deepavali. By encouraging the use of green crackers and cracking down on banned varieties, the PCB hopes to strike a balance between festive celebrations and environmental responsibility.Gopalkrishna Santangi, the Belagavi Zonal Officer, KSPCB, stated that the respective deputy commissioners in all districts under the Belagavi division have already issued directives mandating the usage of green crackers. To ensure compliance with these directives, officials from the district administration and the KSPCB will conduct tests on the crackers.In the coming days, the team will collect samples of crackers from sellers and conduct tests by bursting them to assess their intensity, effects, and other aspects. "While conducting tests on crackers, we have to burst them to gauge the noise pollution and others from some distance," Santangi added.Sources indicate that officials will also gather data on the effects of crackers during the Deepavali festival and submit this information to the Pollution Control Board. During Ganesha and other festivals in Hubballi-Dharwad, the air quality deteriorates due to the bursting of firecrackers. To combat this issue, it is crucial for the authorities to take stringent measures and enforce regulations effectively."The use of green crackers should be made mandatory to minimise the harmful effects on the environment and public health. By implementing strict rules and ensuring compliance, the authorities can play a significant role in reducing air pollution during festive seasons," said Ramesh S, a social activist. MSID:: 114656943 413 |
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