Residents’ groups urge govt. to strictly enforce ban on firecrackers

Residents’ groups in Bengaluru have urged the Karnataka government to enforce the Supreme Court’s 2018 order restricting the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers. 

In a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, multiple civic groups have urged for this following a recent mishap during Ganesha festivities that left two dead and several others injured in Doddaballapur. Citizens also recalled last year’s Attibele tragedy, where 17 people were killed in a firecracker godown explosion, to stress the urgent need for preventive action.

“If crackers produce noise, it is a clear indicator that they are non-green crackers. People should call 112 when they see crackers going off between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm,” said Harini Raghavan, a member at Public Health Community Initiative.

The Supreme Court ruling of October 23, 2018, places responsibility on Police Station House Officers (SHO), the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, fire and safety departments, and transport authorities to check illegal manufacturing, interstate movement, and sale, she continued.

Priya Chetty Rajagopal of The Compassionate City remarked, “The Pollution Control Board has successfully tested green crackers, but public awareness of SC rules and clear labelling of approved manufacturers is needed to guide consumers. Strong penalties, swift police response, and civic responsibility from citizens are seen as essential to ensuring a safe, lawful festive season.”

“The immediate steps are to call for a meeting across all the stakeholders to ensure the initiatives are designed in accordance with SC orders and establish a monitoring body on manufacturing, selling, and purchasing the non-green crackers,” stated Ms. Raghavan.

As Deepavali approaches, campaigners say only a coordinated effort—backed by political will, strict enforcement, and citizen participation—can prevent a repeat of past tragedies and ensure Karnataka honors the Supreme Court’s mandate for a safer, greener festive season.