Ban on firecrackers in Karnataka yet to be decided, CM to take a call

After Delhi decided to ban the sale of crackers during Deepavali, the Karnataka Government is likely to ban the sale of smoke-emitting firecrackers across the state soon. The Chief Minister of Karnataka is going to take a call on the ban.

Bengaluru: After Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal, Delhi and Haryana decided to ban the sale of crackers during Deepavali, it was reported on Wednesday that the Karnataka Government is likely to ban the sale of smoke-emitting firecrackers across the state.

The Karnataka government is mulling a ban on firecrackers this Deepavali since it may badly impact the health of those who have already been infected with Covid-19.

On Thursday, State health minister K Sudhakar held a meeting with the State’s COVID-19 expert committee and technical advisory committee and he said the committee had deliberated on the pros and cons of banning firecrackers during Deepavali and had recommended a ban.

However, the minister stated that the final decision on the ban will be made only by the Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa.

“As the smoke can badly impact the health of those who have already been infected by COVID-19 and even those who have not, we will place the committee’s report before the Chief Minister and he will take a final decision within a day or two” Sudhakar stated.

Earlier, the medical fraternity too has appealed to the State Government to ensure a smoke-free Deepavali, especially during the ongoing pandemic.

Doctors fear that festival shopping rush, dip in temperatures due to the onset of winter, coupled with increase in air pollution due to bursting of crackers may pose serious health challenges for those who have recovered from COVID-19 infection and those with respiratory problems.

According to senior pulmonologist from Manipal Hospitals, Dr Satyanarayana Mysore, during winter the phenomenon of dryness in the ambient air poses respiratory problems for people prone to such illnesses.