Bengaluru: There’s a “dhamaka” of a change this Diwali. In a drastic move to cut noise and air pollution, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and BBMP have banned the bursting of noisy crackers in homes and on the streets in residential localities and designated public places where they can be burst.
The decision to opt for more of a community celebration was taken at a meeting last week between officials of the board and the BBMP, according to Mr Lakshman, chairman, KSPCB. “This year people of the city will not be allowed to burst crackers that make a huge noise in residential areas. The BBMP will identify a few places in each ward where the people can burst them. This has been done in the interest of cutting pollution," he told the Deccan Chronicle.
Justifying the innovative decision, BBMP officials say its success depends on public participation. “A noiseless and pollution-free Diwali is the dream of everyone in the city. Over the last few years, pollution levels have fallen during the festival owing to the growing awareness among people. But there are still a few who are not ready to celebrate Diwali in an eco- friendly manner. Under the new plan, everyone will get a chance to celebrate the festival while keeping pollution levels under check,” explained an officer.
Diwali may not be the same this year also because of the Cauvery controversy , which has impacted the supply of crackers to the city from Tamil Nadu. Going by the BBMP officer, the crackers’ supply has fallen drastically owing to Karnataka’s dispute with the neighbouring state over sharing of the river water.
