BENGALURU: This Deepavali, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) in association with urban local bodies (ULB) will be identifying open grounds across the state for bursting crackers during festival.Inspite of precautionary measures and awareness, every year several people become victims of fire crackers, although most of them are onlookers. The firework related injuries range from burnt fingers to permanent loss of vision. This year KSPCB along with the local corporation will be identifying open grounds where people can burst crackers.
Lakshman, KSPCB Chairman, told Express that with smaller roads and closeby houses, fire crackers enter others’ houses, damaging their property as well as injuring people. Also, noise and air pollution disturbs children, senior citizens and patients. “So we are planning to issue guidelines encouraging people to burst firecrackers in open fields,’’ he said.
There will also be a fire extinguisher vehicle, ambulance and first aid facilities at these fields. “We can prevent or treat injuries at the earliest if these facilities are available at one place,’’ Lakshman said.
BBMP officials supported the idea saying this will help them clear Deepawali waste easily. “Unlike other festivals, waste generated during Deepawali is hazardous which cannot be mixed with other dry waste. If it is organised in one place, our Pourakarmikas can clean better,’’ said the official.
KSPCB will list out the places with the help of ULBs including BBMP in a day or two. Lakshman said, “We will spread awareness through TV, Radio, newspaper and on social media too.’’BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad said that it is not possible for them to ban bursting of crackers infront of houses.
“This is a good initiative and we will cooperate with KSPCB. In North India, people celebrate Holi, Deepavali, Ganesha Chaturthi and Durgashtami in open fields. This initiative will not just helps us in clearing waste, but also begin community celebration and neighbourhood bonding,’’ he added.
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There will be a fire extinguisher along with fire personnel
Ambulance with a set of para medical staff
Cleaning and disposal of waste will be easier for Pourakarmikas
Noise and air pollution at residential areas will be reduced