States » SouthPosted at: Oct 31 2026 3:06PM


Karnataka plans statewide crackdown on conventional firecrackers

Bengaluru, Oct 31 (UNI) Karnataka is preparing a statewide enforcement drive against conventional firecrackers ahead of Diwali, targeting their manufacture, transportation, storage and sale, with district-level task forces tasked with preventing prohibited fireworks from entering the market.
Moving beyond restrictions on when fireworks can be burst, the state government has decided to tighten surveillance across the entire firecracker supply chain, making the availability and distribution of permitted green crackers a key focus of this year's pollution-control measures.
Under the guidelines announced following a meeting between Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy and departmental officials, only green firecrackers carrying mandatory Quick Response (QR) codes will be allowed to be manufactured, transported, sold and used in accordance with the prescribed norms.
The government has also planned inspections of firecracker shops, warehouses and storage facilities to identify conventional crackers being stocked or traded in violation of the rules. Illegal consignments will be seized, premises may face sealing action and criminal cases will be registered against those responsible.
District administrations and police authorities have been directed to ensure enforcement, with district-level teams expected to coordinate inspections and monitor compliance.
Checks will also extend to transportation routes to prevent prohibited firecrackers from being brought into Karnataka from neighbouring states.
The restrictions are part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental and public health impact of Diwali celebrations, particularly the deterioration in air quality and noise pollution associated with conventional fireworks.
The government has permitted bursting of firecrackers only between 8 pm and 10 pm from November 8 to 10. Their use has also been prohibited near hospitals, schools and important religious places to prevent inconvenience to patients, students and the public.
The QR-code requirement is intended to help distinguish approved green crackers from conventional fireworks and facilitate verification by enforcement authorities.
Green crackers include three categories — Safe Water Releaser (SWAS), Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR) and Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL) — developed to reduce emissions compared with traditional fireworks.
The government has appealed to people to minimise the use of firecrackers and celebrate Diwali by lighting traditional lamps, stressing the need to protect children, senior citizens and animals from the adverse effects of pollution.
With the enforcement drive extending from storage facilities and retail outlets to transportation networks, the state government's approach this year places greater emphasis on controlling the supply of prohibited fireworks rather than relying solely on restrictions on their use.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Karnataka plans statewide crackdown on conventional firecrackers
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