Karnataka is the latest to join the long list of Indian states banning firecrackers before Diwali

• The Karnataka government is the latest to ban firecrackers ahead of Diwali.
• Various state governments have taken this decision as the country continues to battle with the COVID-19 crisis and the increase in air pollution from bursting crackers can take a toll on COVID-19 patients.
• Here are all the states that have banned fireworks so far in India.

The Karnataka government is the latest to ban firecrackers ahead of Diwali. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that the decision had been taken keeping in mind the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Karnataka has seen 11312 deaths in the state due to coronavirus.

“We discussed this and are taking the decision to ban fireworks this Diwali. It has been discussed and an order is being issued. This is because of COVID-19," media outlets quoted Yediyurappa.

Karnataka is the latest in the long list of states to ban firecrackers. State governments have taken this decision as the country continues to battle with the COVID-19 crisis and the increase in air pollution from bursting crackers can take a toll on COVID-19 patients.

Here are all the states that have banned fireworks so far.

Rajasthan

The state of Rajasthan was the first to implement the ban on firecrackers as the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took to Twitter to announce the decision on November 2.


Odisha

Odisha was the next state to announce a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers between November 10-30. The Odisha government had said that anyone breaking the ban will be punishable under Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Delhi

As every year, Delhi’s struggle with the air pollution crisis worsens, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a ban on firecrackers on November 5. Along with the toxic haze that has covered the city due to stubble burning in neighbouring states, India’s national capital is also struggling with the third wave of coronavirus and the use of firecrackers and its toxic smoke would have only worsened the situation.

Sikkim

The northeastern state of Sikkim too had banned firecrackers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

West Bengal

On November 5, the Calcutta High Court banned the sale and use of firecrackers in Kali Puja and Diwali. Additionally, the top court also said 'no entry' to pandals will also be in effect during Kali Puja, just as it did during the Durga Puja celebrations in the state.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation has announced that firecrackers will be banned from public places. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state from the coronavirus pandemic.

SEE ALSO:
WhatsApp Pay UPI is now live while Google Pay, PhonePe have already got the first sting
India's re-named earth observation satellite to launch tomorrow — and it's capable of military surveillance