Last update:October 27, 2024, 08:51 IST

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi termed the Karnataka government’s order as “words on paper” and said those who want to burst firecrackers will continue to do so.

The Karnataka government has restricted the use of firecrackers to a two-hour window, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Representational image: PTI)

The BJP has criticized the Karnataka government’s order restricting the use of firecrackers on Diwali, saying the regulations are only aimed at Hindu festivals. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi termed the instructions as “words on paper” and said those who want to burst firecrackers will continue to do so.

The Karnataka government on Saturday (October 26) restricted firecracker bursts on Diwali to a two-hour period, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and said only eco-friendly ‘green’ crackers should be allowed in the ‘State.

“Deepavali is coming. The Supreme Court has given guidelines on the type of crackers to be burst. Only green crackers should be sold and they should be burst between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters after a meeting with deputy commissioners of all districts.

According to the government order, ‘green’ crackers must meet noise limits of less than 125 decibels, while deputy commissioners have been tasked with carrying out inspections at stores.

Joshi, who sharply criticized the Congress government’s decision, said the restrictions are only on Hindu festivals like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. “When it comes to playing DJ music, getting FSSAI certificate for prasad at Ganesh pandals or ensuring Ganesh visarjan ends at 10 p.m., restrictions are always imposed. Meanwhile, namaz begins in mosques as early as 5 a.m., but no similar restrictions apply. These regulations appear to only target Hindu festivals. Orders are just words on paper; those who are determined to burst crackers will continue to do so regardless,” Joshi said in a report published by India today.

Reacting to the BJP’s barbs, state forest minister Eshwar Khandre said the government order was in line with the directions of the Supreme Court and the central government on the use of eco-friendly crackers that reduce pollution. He said Joshi was unaware of his own government’s regulations.

“If they have concerns, they should question the Supreme Court and their own government’s decisions,” Khandre was quoted as saying by the report.

Siddaramaiah stressed the need to prevent any damage to the environment. “I have also informed the DCs that there should be no damage, injury or death due to crackers in their districts,” he said.

He added, “District officials should register cases against traders selling crackers other than green ones, if they do not follow safety rules, do not sell them at the designated place and do not have warehouses suitable for storing them. »

(With PTI inputs)