4 weeks ago
Last Updated:October 27, 2024, 08:45 IST
Union minister Pralhad Joshi called 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 limited the use of firecrackers to a two-hour window from 8 pm to 10 pm. (Image for representation: PTI)
The BJP slammed the Karnataka government’s order restricting firecracker use on Diwali, saying regulations target only Hindu festivals. Union minister Pralhad Joshi called the directions “words on paper” and said those who want to burst firecrackers will continue to do so.
On Saturday (October 26), the Karnataka government limited bursting firecrackers on Diwali to a two-hour window from 8 pm to 10 pm and said only eco-friendly ‘green’ crackers should be allowed in the state.
“Deepavali is approaching. The Supreme Court has given guidelines on what kind of crackers should be burst. Only green crackers should be sold and they should be burst from 8 pm to 10 pm,” Siddaramaiah briefed reporters after a meeting with the deputy commissioners of all the districts.
According to the government order, ‘green’ crackers are required to adhere to sound limits below 125 decibels while deputy commissioners have been directed to carry out inspections at cracker shops.
Joshi, who strongly criticised the move by the Congress government, said restrictions only target Hindu festivals like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. “When it comes to playing DJ music, obtaining an FSSAI certificate for prasad at Ganesh pandals, or ensuring that Ganesh visarjan wraps up by 10 pm, restrictions are always imposed. Meanwhile, namaz begins in mosques as early as 5 am, yet no similar restrictions apply. These regulations only seem to target Hindu festivals. The orders are just words on paper; those determined to burst crackers will continue to do so regardless,” Joshi was quoted in a report published by India Today.
Siddaramaiah has stressed on the need to prevent any damage to the environment. “I have also informed the DCs that there should not be any harm, injuries or deaths due to crackers in their districts,” he said.
He added: “The district officials should register cases against shopkeepers who sell crackers other than green ones, if they do not follow safety regulations, do not sell them at the designation place and do not have proper warehouses to store them.”
(With PTI inputs)
Location : First Published:October 27, 2024, 08:45 IST
News politics 'Regulations Only Target Hindu Festivals': BJP Slams Karnataka Govt Order On Firecrackers
