Karnataka: Pollution Control Board cautions against use of crackers on roads

MANGALURU: The regional office of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (PCB) has cautioned the people of Dakshina Kannada against burning firecrackers on interior roads during the Deepavali festival.
The board has strictly warned people not to use crackers which generate noise levels exceeding 125 dB(AI) or 145 dB(C) during the festival. As per the Environment Rules 1999 and a Supreme Court directive of 2005, the manufacture, sale or use of firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 dB(AI) or 145 dB(C) at four meters distance from the point of bursting shall be prohibited. This ban has been imposed in the interest of public health and to prevent environment and noise pollution, stated the regional officer of the PCB in a press release.

The use of firecrackers has been banned completely between 10pm and 6am. Crackers that generate noise should not be used near places that are declared as silent zones like hospitals, schools, prayer centres and so on. Further, the board also insisted that as per the Supreme Court's direction only green crackers should be sold and used. "Using noise making crackers and rockets on roads will create nuisance to the residents and may lead to fire accidents and explosions. Hence, avoid using them on roads and public places and instead choose an open ground. Let us celebrate Deepavali as a festival of lights by lighting lamps instead of burning firecrackers," the board suggested.