Karnataka: Ban on smoke emitting crackers likely to happen
After Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal, and Haryana 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.
FollowBengaluru: After states like Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal, and Haryana 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.
It is reported that a few rounds of meetings have been held with health experts, including members of the technical committee on COVID-19.
The committee members have suggested to the Health Minister that firecrackers can badly impact the health of those who have already been infected with COVID-19 and even to those who have not. Hence, smoke-emitting firecrackers may be banned across the state,” pointed out a senior ministry official.
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A final decision on this, however, will be taken after discussions with Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in a couple of days.
Sources said during the meetings, the experts explained to Health Minister K Sudhakar that smoke from crackers will pose a serious challenge.
The sources said Minister Sudhakar has been convinced about the need to ban the sale of firecrackers, but a decision will be taken after consultations with the Chief Minister.
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.
