Karnataka Police restricts Deepavali firecracker bursting to 8 pm–10 pm; only certified green crackers permitted

The police have directed people to use only certified green crackers during the permitted hours. High-decibel fireworks and uncertified products are prohibited, with citizens advised to ensure that crackers carry authorised packaging markings and valid QR codes.

Under the guidelines, bursting firecrackers is prohibited at public and sensitive locations, including bus stands, railway stations, hospitals, educational institutions and places of worship. Roads with active traffic, pedestrian-heavy stretches, parking areas and other crowded locations have also been identified as no-cracker zones.

The advisory cautions people against bursting crackers near thatched-roof houses, huts, inflammable material storage facilities, parked vehicles, trees, electrical transformers, overhead power lines and other electrical installations. Residents have been advised to maintain a safe distance from buildings and combustible materials and keep buckets of water or sand readily available to deal with accidental fires. Spent and unexploded fireworks must be handled and disposed of carefully.

The department has also emphasised the need for adult supervision when children handle fireworks. Special care has been urged to protect senior citizens, infants, patients, persons with disabilities and animals from excessive noise and smoke. Citizens have been asked to ensure that celebrations remain within permissible noise limits.

On the purchase of fireworks, the police have cautioned against buying crackers through online platforms or from unauthorised street vendors. Consumers have been advised to purchase products only from licensed dealers and verify their authenticity through authorised packaging and QR codes.

The guidelines also address post-celebration waste management. Firecracker residue and unexploded materials should not be discarded into drains, water bodies or public garbage heaps. Instead, they must be collected and disposed of through designated waste-disposal arrangements.

The Karnataka Police warned that violations of the prescribed restrictions and court directions would invite legal action under applicable provisions. Enforcement will involve the police, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and civic authorities.

People have been advised to contact 112 for police and emergency assistance and 108 for ambulance services in case of fire-related emergencies, burn injuries or incidents involving illegal storage and sale of fireworks.

The advisory aims to ensure that Deepavali celebrations are conducted safely while minimising fire hazards, air pollution, noise and inconvenience to vulnerable sections of society.