Karnataka CM allows the use of green firecrackers

Bengaluru, November 06: After announcing a ban on the sale and the use of firecrackers during Diwali this year, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday allowed to sell and use of green firecrackers during Diwali.

 

 

The Chief Minister issued an order on Friday evening stating that in view of the safety of persons with COVID-19 and those susceptible to respiratory infections, the sale, and bursting of only green crackers would be allowed. The order issued allowed the sale of green firecrackers only.

 

 

He maintained that Karnataka had taken all steps to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. "We have taken steps to ban firecrackers during this Deepavali but people can use green firecrackers if they want to," he said. The Chief Minister said that the decision was taken after consulting with public health experts.

 

Yediyurappa further said that the state government had taken every possible step to organise several major festivals in a most subdued manner and even now it is appealing again to its people to opt for simple celebrations instead of grand celebrations.

 

"We are taking such steps only in the interest of the people's health," he signed off.

 

Green crackers are smaller in size compared to traditional crackers, and are produced using less harmful raw materials. Green firecrackers do not contain lithium, arsenic, lead, and barium in them. The scientists have called these crackers Safe Water Releaser (SWAS), Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR), and Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL) crackers.

 

Morover, states including Odisha, West Bengal, and Rajasthan have already banned the sale and bursting of firecrackers during Diwali. Haryana has cracked down on the sale of imported firecrackers.