Use of helium gas to fill balloons prohibited in Mysuru

The Mysuru City police has prohibited use of helium gas for filling balloons and for other purposes in public places.

The City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar’s order prohibiting use of helium gas for filling balloons or any other objects in public places with the jurisdiction of Mysuru City police Commissionerate issued on Wednesday comes in the wake of a recent explosion near Mysuru Palace that claimed three lives.

A statement by the police said the use of helium gas for filling balloons poses serious danger to public life and property. Helium gas cylinders, which contain highly compressed gas, are often stored using unregulated methods. Careless handling or mishandling of these cylinders may result in fire hazards, risk of asphyxiation, besides panic and disturbance among the public, the police said.

“The use of helium gas in festivals, fairs, tourist spots, public gatherings, and crowded areas can adversely affect public safety and may lead to serious and unforeseen accidents if continued”, the police said, while prohibiting balloon sellers, event organisers, traders and members of the public from storing, transporting, selling or using helium gas in public places without following prescribed safety standards.

The orders have been issued by the City Police Commissioner under Section 152 of the BNSS 2023.

“Appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone violating this order. All police officers of the Commissionerate are instructed to strictly enforce this order,” said the City Police Commissioner, adding that the order comes into effect from February 18.